Technologies and concepts for lunar surface exploration

In-situ investigations on the lunar surface by automated systems require a Moon-based infrastructure consisting, as a minimum, of a Lunar Lander, to land the required equipment on the Moon; equipment for physical and chemical analysis of the material; optical devices for localisation and description; manipulators for handling and transfer; communication equipment for data transmission; and possibly a rover for excursions in the terrain. This paper presents an overview of potential concepts and technologies needed for tasks in a lunar surface exploration programme, and is based on an ESA in-house assessment performed in 1993/94. The assessment addresses the functional and operational requirements associated with a geological survey of the Moon, using a mobile surface vehicle on which the necessary scientific and support equipments are mounted. The paper concludes with a survey of technologies which should be addressed with priority in a technology development programme in Europe. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.