NASA's Lunar Escape System (LESS)

The mission of the lunar emergency escape-to-orbit system (LESS) is to provide a means for the crew of the Lunar Module (LM) or Extended Lunar Module (ELM) to escape from the surface in the event that the LM/ELM ascent stage is unsafe or unable to take off into orbit. The LESS role is to carry the two astronauts to the Command Service Module in orbit within three to four hours. The LESS would use fuel from the LM ascent stage The space-suit backpack is to be used for crew life support and environmental control and for communications. The LESS would be equipped with a flashing light and VHF radio beacon to simplify tracking from the Command Service Module Mission stay-times are to be up to 14 days.