Status Report on the German Lunar Exploration Orbiter LEO

Paper number

IAC-08.A3.2.A11

Author

Mr. Friedhelm Claasen, DLR, German Space Agency, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Carsten Henselowsky, DLR, German Space Agency, Germany

Coauthor

Prof. Ralf Jaumann, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Manfred Langemann, EADS Astrium GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Dominik Lang, OHB System AG, Germany

Year

2008

Abstract

The German Space Agency DLR is continuing to pursue a nationally funded Moon orbiter to be launched in 2012, the Lunar Exploration Orbiter (LEO). Initiated only end of 2006 during an exploration symposium, the project underwent two parallel thorough industrial analyses studies (phase 0) in 2007; both study results showing the feasibility of such a mission. A formal announcement of opportunity process followed by a peer review has determined the LEO payload complement. The scientific community has been formed and the scientific goals of the LEO mission have been discussed during several presentations in the community. The two different Mission concepts have been merged, finally resulting in a sound and also scientifically accepted mission definition. The selected LEO mission concept is based on a main satellite and two sub-satellites. The industrial teaming process has evolved, leading to a constellation, which makes best use of all existing capabilities in Germany. 

The LEO mission preparation is continued with an ongoing conceptual study (phase-A) during the year 2008. Major tasks are the determination of payload specifications and further improvement of the mission concept including launch and a 4 years operational scenario. 

LEO will investigate the Moon in all its facets from a 50 km orbit with unique spatial and spectral resolution mapping, high accuracy potential field measurements and innovative environmental analysis. The main satellite will carry the optical instruments for high resolution stereoscopic topographic mapping and impact event monitoring, the imaging spectrometers, the microwave and radar instruments, radiation monitor, dust sensor, Langmuir probe and HDTV camera, all together about 100 kg of payload for 11 instruments. In addition, the two identical sub-satellites are used for gravity, magnetic field and radiation pressure measurements. LEO will provide a unique and complete set of integrated data with global lunar coverage for the broadest variety of scientific evaluations.

For Germany, LEO is the first step toward a long-term programme planning for the exploration of our Solar System. Further missions to Moon in European and possibly global cooperation will follow and contribute to prepare for human spaceflight beyond ISS.

The paper to be presented gives the actual status report on the ongoing LEO project activities and study results.

Abstract document

IAC-08.A3.2.A11.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.A3.2.A11.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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