ILEWG Roadmap from Precursors to Lunar Colonies
- Paper number
IAC-07-A5.1.08
- Author
Prof. Bernard Foing, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands
- Year
2007
- Abstract
After ESA SMART-1, next lunar orbiters include the Chinese Chang’E1 lunar orbiter and Japanese SELENE orbiter in 2007, the Indian Chandrayaan-1 orbiter and US lunar reconnaissance orbiter in 2008. From 2009 a series of penetrators and soft lander missions to the Moon are under study. 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. 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. ILEWG, the International Lunar Exploration Working Group organized the ICEUM International Conferences on Exploration and Utilisation of the Moon to consult the community on the definition of recommendations for the future. The ICEUM have been held (before Beijing in July 2006), in Toronto in September 2005, and Udaipur, India in November 2004. 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. 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 and Future Missions to the Moon - Moon testbed for robotic outposts and 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 - 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, from precursors to colonies.
- Abstract document