From Precursors to Lunar Colonies: Architecture, Space and Society

Paper number

IAC-08.E5.3.3

Author

Prof. Bernard Foing, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Year

2008

Abstract

We have entered in an international lunar global exploration era. After ESA SMART-1, we have currently the Chinese Chang’E1 lunar orbiter and Japanese SELENE-Kaguya orbiter in 2007, and 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. Those science and technology missions will serve as precursor missions and tools for development for future human exploration of the solar system. We shall review, with emphasis on societal aspects and space architecture, the roadmap for robotic and human exploration of the Moon. 

ILEWG, the International Lunar Exploration Working Group organized the ICEUM International Conferences on Exploration & Utilisation of the Moon to consult the community on the definition of  recommendations for the future.  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. 
The last ICEUM has been held  in Sorrento, Italy  in October 2007 and the next is due in Florida in Oct 2008.  We shall report the Sorrento lunar declaration and follow-up work.

We shall discuss in particular the aspects related to space and society, and architectural and operational challenges from a robotic and human base: 
- Recent results and key issues: Science of the Moon, from the Moon and on the Moon
- Technology activities & Future Missions to the Moon
- Moon testbed for robotic outposts & telepresence 
- Infrastructures deployment and in-situ  resources utilisation
- 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

Abstract document

IAC-08.E5.3.3.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E5.3.3.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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