Working Group 1: Current plans of various organisations for lunar activitiesSummaries of presentations by representatives of several space agencies and the International Academy of Astronautics concerning lunar activities are presented. Participating space agencies reported two different types of lunar planning, long term planning and scenarios and lunar missions competing within regular programs. The long term plans of the various agencies look remarkably similar. They all involve a phased approach (coincidentally all incorporating four phases) and all address three prime scientific elements: science of, on, and from the Moon. The missions under consideration by the second group of agencies could readily fit as elements in the longer term program. There is great interest in lunar astronomy. There is a great deal of potential infrastructure and lunar transport capability already available. There is also a wide range of interesting technological developments that could form part of a lunar program. A well concerted and coordinated international effort could lead to an affordable program. Recommendations are: an international conference on lunar exploration should be held every other year; an electronic network should be established for the daily exchange of information; and a mechanism should be established for regular working level coordination of activities.
Document ID
19950027036
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Balsiger, H. (Bern Univ. Bern, Switzerland)
Pilcher, C. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: ESA, International Lunar Workshop: Towards a World Strategy for the Exploration and Utilisation of Our Natural Satellite