The Ariane 5 based Lunar Telescope – Status and perspective
- Paper number
IAC-06-A3.P.1.03
- Author
Mr. Hartmut Mueller, EADS Astrium GmbH, Germany
- Coauthor
Prof. Dr. Uwe Apel, Hochschule Bremen, Germany
- Year
2006
- Abstract
In 2005 the institutions of the authors proposed the “LIFE” concept for an integrated lunar development approach, which is in line with the US scenario and will also fit into the ESA scientific program. The key element of the mission concept is a low frequency radio telescope to be established on the lunar south pole by one Ariane 5 launch. It will represent an early, extendable lunar sciences infrastructure of high value for scientific research as well as for further technology development in the frame of planetary research. As a first mission design along with a preliminary technical design showed promising results, further investigations on lander and payload design have been performed. A functional analysis was undertaken as a key step to define the scientific value and technical options for the proposed system. The results of this analysis are promising and initiated a bi-national effort to deepen the phase a study work towards a possible Programme proposal in 2008. An overview of the current status of the proposed project in terms of, scientific objectives, technical solution, financial issues, outlook on potentials for the establishment of Lunar Infrastructures serving multiple scientific applications and the potentials for a European initiative will be given.
- Abstract document