Roadmap for Robotic and Human Exploration of the Moon and beyond
- Paper number
IAC-05-A5.1.01
- Author
Prof. Bernard Foing, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands
- Year
2005
- Abstract
Results from the recent US missions "Clementine" and Lunar Prospector have changed our view of the Moon. ESA SMART1 was launched in Sept 2003 for lunar capture in Nov. 2004, to be followed by Japanese SELENE orbiter and Lunar-A penetrators in 2006, the Indian Chandrayaan-1 orbiter and the Chinese Chang’E1 lunar orbiter in 2007, as well as US lunar reconnaissance orbiter in 2008, Moonrise farside basin sample return in 2009, and from 2010 a series of soft lander missions to the Moon. The results of these missions will continue to answer open questions about the origin of the Earth–Moon system, the early evolution of life, the planetary environment and the existence of in-situ resources necessary to support human presence {e.g. water, oxygen}. These science and technology missions will also serve as precursor missions for future human exploration of the solar system.
ILEWG, the International Lunar Exploration Working Group organized the ICEUM International Conferences on Exploration & Utilisation of the Moon to consult the community on the definition of recommendations for the future. The last was held at Udaipur, India in November 2004, and the last to occur at Toronto in September 2005 before IAC. A strategy for progressive exploration in 4 phases {precursor missions, landers, resource utilisation and deployment of large infrastructures, human permanent presence} was agreed by space agencies coordinated by ILEWG, the International Lunar Exploration Working Group, after the Beatenberg International Lunar Workshop. Also scientists, engineers and exploration experts have discussed their priorities e.g. at COSPAR and at EGU lunar sessions. We shall discuss in particular: - Recent results and key issues: Science of the Moon, from the Moon and on the Moon - Technology activities & Future Missions to the Moon - Moon testbed for robotic outposts & telepresence - Infrastructures deployment and in-situ resources utilisation - Synergies with Mars exploration - Human aspects and expansion in solar system - Recommendations and Space Agencies plans - synergies with Mars and solar system exploration - Bringing the Moon to the public: Young Lunar Explorers and Lunar Explorers Society - multicultural, economical and social aspects of lunar and planetary exploration - new approaches and long term perspectives
We shall review the roadmap for robotic and human exploration of the Moon. The challenge for future lunar and planetary exploration is about science, technology, innovation and engagement of the public and youth, across cultures, and for understanding our place in the Universe and expanding life beyond Earth.
- Abstract document