ALTAIR
LUNAR SURFACE ACCESS MODULE

Concept drawing of Altair (NASA)

Altair is the brightest star in the Aquila constellation and the twelfth brightest star in the nighttime sky. For the sci-fi buff, Altair IV was the planet featured in the film Forbidden Planet.

The lunar surface access module consists of a descent stage and an ascent stage. It will carry a crew of four, leaving the Orion crew exploration vehicle in unmanned lunar orbit.

Altair and the Earth Departure Module will be launched by an Ares V about a month before the crew launches in Orion from an Ares I.

The latest concept drawing shown above differs from earlier concept drawings, shown below.