Europe and ESA have their own Vision for Space ExplorationLee Pullen
Foing describes the plan as a four stage program. First, using orbital precursor missions like SMART-1, robots map the Moon in detail and learn about lunar geology. The next part should come after 2010, when a variety of probes from different countries will be deployed on the surface, working in concert on various activities. After that, infrastructure and life-support systems will be constructed and visited for short periods by astronauts. The final stage will have outposts and a permanent human presence on the Moon.
These plans may seem ambitious, but international collaboration is contributing more than ever before. “We are offering some of our SMART-1 data to help other countries to prepare their missions,” explains Foing. “With our ESA ground stations, we are helping the Chinese to double the amount of data they are going to downlink with their Chang’e 1 mission.” These aren’t just one-way deals though, since data and equipment can be shared between all space agencies. The Chang’e 1 mission, Japan’s Selene-Kaguya, and the United State’s upcoming Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and LCROSS Impactor will all provide valuable data.
“We are looking at ways where we could exchange information and carry some instruments from other countries on our platform,” adds Foing. “Also, some of our European instruments can be carried onboard landers from international partners.”
Read more HERE.
