TECHNOLOGIES FOR AUTOMATIC LUNAR EXPLORATION MISSIONS

ESA's Lunar Study Steering Group (LSSG) recently stressed the unique scientific and strategic assets of the Moon. Utilisation of the Moon offers a wide range of possibilities, including a better understanding of the history of the solar system, improved potential return for astronomy, as well as a useful environment for life-sciences activities and research into artificial ecosystems. ESTEC is already examining the technology needs and the exploitation of currently available technology for the possible next steps in a lunar exploration scenario. A range of missions involving lunar polar-orbiter and lander-spacecraft concepts are examined.