European Access to the Lunar Surface: EL3​

Paper number

IAC-21,A3,2A,9,x64127

Author

Dr. Ludovic Duvet, United Kingdom, ESA - European Space Agency

Coauthor

Dr. Alexander Cropp, The Netherlands, ESA

Coauthor

Dr. Philipp Hager, The Netherlands, European Space Agency (ESA-ESTEC)

Coauthor

Mr. Kim Nergaard, Germany, European Space Agency (ESA)

Coauthor

Mr. Nick Gollins, The Netherlands, European Space Agency (ESA)

Coauthor

Mr. Giorgio Cifani, The Netherlands, European Space Agency (ESA/ESTEC)

Coauthor

Mr. Rogier Schonenborg, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Dr. William Carey, The Netherlands, European Space Agency (ESA-ESTEC)

Coauthor

Dr. Florian Renk, Germany, European Space Agency (ESA)

Coauthor

Dr. Lorenzo Bucci, Germany, ESA

Coauthor

Ms. Sandra Mangunsong, The Netherlands, European Space Agency (ESA-ESTEC)

Coauthor

Mr. Yannick Le Deuff, The Netherlands, ESA - European Space Agency

Coauthor

Dr. Andrea Emanuele Maria Casini, Germany, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR)

Coauthor

Mr. Antonios Tavoularis, The Netherlands, European Space Agency (ESA)

Coauthor

Mr. Alberto Gonzalez Fernandez, The Netherlands, European Space Agency (ESA)

Coauthor

Mr. Gilles Nzokira, The Netherlands, ESA

Coauthor

Mr. Giorgio Magistrati, The Netherlands, European Space Agency (ESA-ESTEC)

Coauthor

Mr. Davide Rovelli, The Netherlands, ESA - European Space Agency

Coauthor

Mr. Keith Stephenson, The Netherlands, European Space Agency (ESA)

Year

2021

Abstract

Global access the Moon surface is one of the key capabilities/services that the European Space Agency intends to master by the second half of this decade as part of an overall effort to extend its LEO (Low Earth Orbit) capabilities toward Mars Exploration but also in answer to the unique opportunities linked to the foreseen lunar economic development.
 This ambition will in particular be served by the European Large Logistic Lander (EL3) program whose definition and development are driven by the following high-level strategic orientations: 
\begin{itemize}
\item European Autonomy for Moon exploration 
\item Strong scientific content, aligned with the ESA science strategy for the moon and space resources strategy 
\item Coherence with the overall International Moon Exploration
\end{itemize}
EL3 aims at an initial payload landing capability ranging from 1500 to 1700 kg anywhere on the Moon,  relying on the Ariane 64 as launcher.
The operational sustainability will be achieved by a recurring program and balance between science and cargo/logistics payloads.

The EL3 phase A/B1 initiated in October 2020 and to be completed by July 2022 addresses the generic aspect of the program. In parallel, two specific mission scenario, a logistic cargo and a scientific mission at the South Pole (aka Polar Explorer), are contending for the first seat. Both scenario are being studied in order to achieve a sufficient level of definition. By end of 2022 , the ESA’s council of Ministers will decide on the first EL3 mission and hence the start of the overall program.

The paper will provide a status of the industrial studies as well as a detailed presentation of the Lander Descent Element (ie the recurring part of the program), its technology challenges and baseline, as well as the overall generic concept of operations. Key aspects such as propulsion, Guidance, Navigation and Control, lunar night survival will be detailed in particular. Possible future enhancement paths will also be addressed.

Abstract document

IAC-21,A3,2A,9,x64127.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-21,A3,2A,9,x64127.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.