Japanese Lunar polar Exploration Mission

Paper number

IAC-16,A3,2A,2,x32474

Coauthor

Prof. Tatsuaki Hashimoto, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Takeshi Hoshino, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Hisashi Otake, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Prof. Satoshi Tanaka, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Ms. Sachiko Wakabayashi, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Hitoshi Morimoto, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Koichi Masuda, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Makiko Ohtake, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Masataku Sutoh, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Takanobu Shimada, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Year

2016

Abstract

JAXA launched Kaguya (SELENE) moon orbiter in September, 2007 and the spacecraft was successfully put into moon orbit in October. It observed moon surface and gravity field with 13 instruments and a couple of small satellites till the hard landing in June, 2009. As the next step of moon exploration, lunar landing missions have been considered. It lands on the moon surface and performs in-situ scientific observation, environment investigation, and research for future lunar utilization including human activity. At the same time, it demonstrates some key technologies for lunar and planetary exploration such as precise and safe landing. Currently, JAXA plans an exploration mission of lunar polar region at the beginning of 2020s, following a small lunar lander SLIM which aims technology demonstration of the precise landing. The purpose of the mission is search and investigation of lunar volatiles such as water ice using a rover. It will be realized with international collaboration. Volatile material under the surface will reveal the history of the solar system. And also, polar region is one of candidates of the next generation human base because of long duration sunlit. Polar region, especially South Pole, is also interesting from the point of view of geological science because there exist some ejecta from South Pole Aitkin basin which contains mantle material.  
The lander carries image sensors, landing radars for precise and safe landing. Landing legs and precisely-controlled propulsion system are also developed. For future lunar exploration, measurement of radiation, regolith dust, and soil mechanics are also planned. In this presentation, present study status of Japanese moon landing mission is shown.

Abstract document

IAC-16,A3,2A,2,x32474.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-16,A3,2A,2,x32474.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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