Report Overview:Report Overview:The The Scientific Context for Scientific Context for Exploration of the MoonExploration of the Moon

Space Studies Board,Space Studies Board,National Research CouncilNational Research Council

National Academy of SciencesNational Academy of SciencesFrancisco P. J. ValeroFrancisco P. J. Valero

CarlCarléé M. Pieters (Vice Chair) M. Pieters (Vice Chair) George A. Paulikas (Chair) George A. Paulikas (Chair)

NRC/NAS CMP/GAP 2

Committee and StaffCommittee and StaffGeorge A. Paulikas, The Aerospace Corporation (retired), ChairGeorge A. Paulikas, The Aerospace Corporation (retired), ChairCarlCarléé M. Pieters, Brown University, Vice ChairM. Pieters, Brown University, Vice ChairWilliam B. Banerdt, Jet Propulsion LaboratoryWilliam B. Banerdt, Jet Propulsion LaboratoryJames L. Burch,Southwest Research InstituteJames L. Burch,Southwest Research InstituteAndrew Chaikin,Andrew Chaikin, Arlington, VermontArlington, VermontBarbara Cohen, University of New MexicoBarbara Cohen, University of New MexicoMichael Duke, Colorado School of Mines (retired)Michael Duke, Colorado School of Mines (retired)Harald Hiesinger, University of MuensterHarald Hiesinger, University of Muenster ,Germany,GermanyNoel W. Hinners, Lockheed Martin Astronautics (retired)Noel W. Hinners, Lockheed Martin Astronautics (retired)Ayanna M. Howard, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAyanna M. Howard, Georgia Institute of TechnologyDavid J. Lawrence, Los Alamos National LaboratoryDavid J. Lawrence, Los Alamos National LaboratoryDaniel F. Lester, McDonald ObservatoryDaniel F. Lester, McDonald ObservatoryPaul G. Lucey, University of HawaiiPaul G. Lucey, University of HawaiiStefanie Tompkins, Science Applications InStefanie Tompkins, Science Applications International Corporationternational CorporationFrancisco Valero, Francisco Valero, UniversityUniversity of Californiaof California--San DiegoSan DiegoJohn V. Valley, John V. Valley, UniversityUniversity of Wisconsinof WisconsinCharles D. Walker, Boeing (Charles D. Walker, Boeing (retiredretired) and former Astronaut Payload Specialist) and former Astronaut Payload SpecialistNeville J. Woolf, University of ArizonaNeville J. Woolf, University of Arizona

Robert L. Riemer, David H. Smith, Rodney Howard, and Stephanie Robert L. Riemer, David H. Smith, Rodney Howard, and Stephanie Bednarek, NRC staffBednarek, NRC staff

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The ContextThe ContextVision for Space ExplorationVision for Space Exploration

The Moon is the first waypoint for The Moon is the first waypoint for human exploration in NASAhuman exploration in NASA’’s s VSE.VSE.Robotic missions that will precede Robotic missions that will precede and support human exploration of and support human exploration of the Moon offer opportunities to the Moon offer opportunities to accomplish important scientific accomplish important scientific investigations about the Moon and investigations about the Moon and the solar system beyond.the solar system beyond.The current NRC/NAS study is The current NRC/NAS study is intended to meet the near term intended to meet the near term needs for science guidance for the needs for science guidance for the lunar component of the VSE.lunar component of the VSE.

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In a Balanced Science ProgramIn a Balanced Science Program

Why the Moon?Why the Moon?The Moon is a The Moon is a witnesswitness to 4.5 to 4.5 billion years of solar system billion years of solar system history.history.The Moon presents a record of The Moon presents a record of planetary geologic processes in planetary geologic processes in the purest formthe purest form

Early crust evolutionEarly crust evolutionDifferentiation Differentiation Impact cratersImpact cratersVolcanic processesVolcanic processesRegolith processes and early Regolith processes and early SunSun

The Moon provides accessible The Moon provides accessible unique environmentsunique environments

Polar regions Polar regions Exosphere (atmosphere)Exosphere (atmosphere)Stable PlatformStable Platform

Topography

Albedo

ColorComposite

Polar H

Thorium

Iron

Overarching Themes of Solar System Exploration

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Consensus StatementConsensus Statement

It is the unanimous consensus of the committee that the Moon offers profound scientific value. The infrastructure provided by sustained human presence can enable remarkable science opportunities if those opportunities are evaluated and designed into the effort from the outset. While the expense of human exploration can not likely be justified on the basis of science alone, the committee emphasizes that careful attention to science opportunity is very much in the interest of a stable and sustainablelunar program. A vigorous near term robotic exploration programproviding global access is central to the next phase of scientific exploration of the Moon and is necessary both to prepare for the efficient utilization of human presence and to maintain scientific momentum as this major national program moves forward.

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Prioritization CriteriaPrioritization CriteriaThe committee used the guidelines for setting science prioritiesThe committee used the guidelines for setting science prioritiesoutlined in the decadal survey outlined in the decadal survey New Frontiers in the Solar System: An New Frontiers in the Solar System: An Integrated Exploration Strategy Integrated Exploration Strategy (NRC, 2003):(NRC, 2003):

Scientific MeritScientific Merit (most important) (most important) -- including the degree to which an including the degree to which an activity will test or alter an existing paradigm or prevalent hyactivity will test or alter an existing paradigm or prevalent hypothesis, if pothesis, if it will have a pivotal effect on future science endeavors, or ifit will have a pivotal effect on future science endeavors, or if it is likely it is likely to significantly expand the factual basis of our understanding.to significantly expand the factual basis of our understanding.

Opportunity and realismOpportunity and realism for achieving a goalfor achieving a goal--addressing whether an addressing whether an activity is likely to produce the desired result in the time fraactivity is likely to produce the desired result in the time frame specified me specified and whether the opportunity readily exists to address the goal.and whether the opportunity readily exists to address the goal.

Technical readiness:Technical readiness: Is the technology necessary to carry out the Is the technology necessary to carry out the activity is available or anticipated in the time frame specifiedactivity is available or anticipated in the time frame specified??

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Concept 1:Concept 1: The bombardment history of the inner solar The bombardment history of the inner solar system is uniquely revealed on the Moonsystem is uniquely revealed on the Moon

Concept 2:Concept 2: The structure and composition of the lunar The structure and composition of the lunar interior provide fundamental information on the evolution interior provide fundamental information on the evolution of a differentiated planetof a differentiated planet

Concept 3:Concept 3: Key planetary processes are manifested in Key planetary processes are manifested in the diversity of lunar crustal rocks the diversity of lunar crustal rocks

Concept 4:Concept 4: The lunar poles are special environments The lunar poles are special environments that may bear witness to the volatile flux over the latter that may bear witness to the volatile flux over the latter part of solar system historypart of solar system history

SCIENCE CONCEPTS (8)SCIENCE CONCEPTS (8)[in order of Scientific Merit][in order of Scientific Merit]

Each includes several prioritized Science Goals (35).Each includes several prioritized Science Goals (35).

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Concept 5:Concept 5: Lunar volcanism provides a window into the Lunar volcanism provides a window into the thermal and compositional evolution of the Moon thermal and compositional evolution of the Moon

Concept 6:Concept 6: The Moon is an accessible laboratory for The Moon is an accessible laboratory for studying the impact process on planetary scalesstudying the impact process on planetary scales

Concept 7:Concept 7: The Moon is a natural laboratory for regolith The Moon is a natural laboratory for regolith processes and weathering on anhydrous airless bodiesprocesses and weathering on anhydrous airless bodies

Concept 8: Processes involved with the atmosphere and Concept 8: Processes involved with the atmosphere and dust environment of the Moon are accessible for dust environment of the Moon are accessible for scientific study while the environment remains in a scientific study while the environment remains in a pristine statepristine state

SCIENCE CONCEPTS SCIENCE CONCEPTS (cont.)(cont.)

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Highest Priority Science Goals Highest Priority Science Goals (11 of 35)(11 of 35)

1.1. Test the cataclysm hypothesisTest the cataclysm hypothesis by determining the spacing in by determining the spacing in time of the lunar basins.time of the lunar basins.

2.2. Anchor the early EarthAnchor the early Earth--Moon impact flux curve by determining Moon impact flux curve by determining the the age of the oldest lunar basinage of the oldest lunar basin (South Pole(South Pole--Aitken Basin).Aitken Basin).

3.3. Establish a precise Establish a precise absolute chronology.absolute chronology.4.4. Determine the compositional state (elemental, isotopic, Determine the compositional state (elemental, isotopic,

mineralogic) and compositional distribution (lateral and depth) mineralogic) and compositional distribution (lateral and depth) of the of the volatile component in lunar polar regionsvolatile component in lunar polar regions. .

5.5. Determine the extent and composition of the primary Determine the extent and composition of the primary feldspathic crust, KREEP layer, and other feldspathic crust, KREEP layer, and other products of products of planetary differentiationplanetary differentiation. .

H

Highest Priority Highest Priority Science Goals Science Goals (cont.)(cont.)

6.6. Determine the thickness of the Determine the thickness of the lunar crustlunar crust (upper and lower) and (upper and lower) and characterize its lateral variability on regional and global scalcharacterize its lateral variability on regional and global scales. es.

7.7. Characterize the chemical/physical of Characterize the chemical/physical of stratification in the mantlestratification in the mantle, , particularly the nature of the putative 500particularly the nature of the putative 500--km discontinuity and the km discontinuity and the composition of the lower mantle. composition of the lower mantle.

8.8. Determine the global density, composition, and time variability Determine the global density, composition, and time variability of of the fragile the fragile lunar atmospherelunar atmosphere before it is perturbed by further before it is perturbed by further human activity. human activity.

9.9. Determine the size, composition and state (solid/liquid) of the Determine the size, composition and state (solid/liquid) of the corecoreof the Moon.of the Moon.

10.10. Inventory the variety, age, distribution, and origin of Inventory the variety, age, distribution, and origin of lunar rock lunar rock types.types.

11.11. Determine the size, charge, and spatial distribution of Determine the size, charge, and spatial distribution of electrostatically transported electrostatically transported dustdust grains and assess their likely grains and assess their likely effects on lunar exploration and lunareffects on lunar exploration and lunar--based astronomybased astronomy

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The Context:The Context:International Lunar ExplorationInternational Lunar Exploration

SMART-1 [ESA]

KAGUYA [JAXA]

Chang’e [CNSA]

Chandrayaan 1 [ISRO]

LRO [NASA]

Launch

2003 2007 2007 2008 2008

Orbit 400 x 4000 km polar

100 km polar circular

200 km polar circular

100 km polar circular

50 km polar circular

Objectives Technology demonstration;

investigate poles;

Sept 2006 impact ending

Study lunar origin and evolution; develop

technology for future lunar exploration

Surface structure,

topography, composition;

particle environment

Simultaneous composition and terrain mapping;

demonstrate impact probe

Improve geodetic net; evaluate polar

areas; study radiation

environment

Payload Camera, spec profile, X-ray,

plasma experiments

Relay satellites, multispec

imager, spec profile, stereo,

X-ray spec, γ-ray spec;

laser altimeter; radar sounder, magnetometer, plasma imager

4-band microwave, X-

ray, γ-ray, stereo,

interferometer, laser altimeter, energetic ions

Hires stereo, wedge imager, laser altimeter,

HE x-ray, impact probe+

X-ray spec, ions, radiation,

spec profile, miniSAR, NIR image spec

Hires camera, laser altimeter, UV,

radiation, radiometer, neutron

spec, LCROSS-impact

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Finding 1: Enabling activities are critical in the Finding 1: Enabling activities are critical in the near term.near term.

Recommendation 1a: Recommendation 1a: NASA should make a strategicNASA should make a strategic commitment commitment to stimulate lunar researchto stimulate lunar research and engage the broad scientific community by establishing two enabling programs, one for fundamental lunar research and one for lunar data analysislunar data analysis. . Information from these two efforts, will speed and revolutionizeInformation from these two efforts, will speed and revolutionizeunderstanding of the Moon as the Vision for Space Exploration understanding of the Moon as the Vision for Space Exploration proceeds. proceeds.

Recommendation Recommendation 1b: The suite of experiments being carried by 1b: The suite of experiments being carried by orbital missions in development will provide essential data for orbital missions in development will provide essential data for science and human exploration. science and human exploration. NASA shouldNASA should be prepared to be prepared to recover data lost due to failure of missions or instruments by rrecover data lost due to failure of missions or instruments by reflying eflying those missions or instrumentsthose missions or instruments where those data are deemed where those data are deemed essential for scientific progress.essential for scientific progress.

NASA and the scientific community are currently underequipped toharvest the plethora of sophisticated data that will become available for the Moon over the next several years.

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Finding 2: Strong ties with international Finding 2: Strong ties with international programs are essential.programs are essential.

Recommendation 2:Recommendation 2: NASA shouldNASA should explicitly explicitly plan and carry out activities with the international plan and carry out activities with the international communitycommunity for scientific exploration of the Moon for scientific exploration of the Moon in a coordinated and cooperative manner. in a coordinated and cooperative manner. The The committee endorses the concept of international activities as committee endorses the concept of international activities as exemplified by the recent exemplified by the recent ““Beijing DeclarationBeijing Declaration”” of the 8th of the 8th International Conference on Exploration and Utilization of the MInternational Conference on Exploration and Utilization of the Moon.oon.

The current level of planned and proposed activity indicates that almost every space-faring nation is interested in establishing a foothold on the Moon.

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Finding 3: Exploration of the South PoleFinding 3: Exploration of the South Pole--Aitken Basin remains a priority.Aitken Basin remains a priority.

Recommendation 3Recommendation 3: : NASA should developNASA should develop plans and plans and options to accomplish the scientific goals options to accomplish the scientific goals set out in the highset out in the high--priority recommendations in the NRCpriority recommendations in the NRC’’s s New Frontiers in the Solar New Frontiers in the Solar System: An Integrated Exploration StrategySystem: An Integrated Exploration Strategy’’s ( 2003)s ( 2003) through through single or multiple single or multiple missions that increase understanding of missions that increase understanding of the South Polethe South Pole--Aitken BasinAitken Basin and by extension all of the and by extension all of the terrestrial planets in our solar system (including the timing terrestrial planets in our solar system (including the timing and character of the early heavy bombardment). and character of the early heavy bombardment).

Several high-priority science questions are addressed by detailed exploration of the South Pole-Aitken Basin, the oldest and deepest observed impact structure on the Moon and the largest in the solar system.

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Finding 4: Diversity of lunar samples is required Finding 4: Diversity of lunar samples is required for major advances.for major advances.

Recommendation 4:Recommendation 4: Landing sites should be selected Landing sites should be selected that can fill in the gaps in diversity of lunar samples.that can fill in the gaps in diversity of lunar samples.Mission plans for each human landing should include the Mission plans for each human landing should include the collection and returns of at least 100 kg of rocks from collection and returns of at least 100 kg of rocks from diverse locations within the landing region. diverse locations within the landing region. For all missions, For all missions, robotic or human, to improve the probability of finding new, ejerobotic or human, to improve the probability of finding new, ejectacta--driven diversity among smaller rock fragments, every landed missdriven diversity among smaller rock fragments, every landed mission ion that will return to Earth should retrieve at least 1 kg of rock that will return to Earth should retrieve at least 1 kg of rock fragments 2 to 6mm in diameter separated from bulk soil. Each fragments 2 to 6mm in diameter separated from bulk soil. Each mission should also return 100 to 200 grams of unfractionated mission should also return 100 to 200 grams of unfractionated regolith.regolith.

The current Apollo and Lunar sample collection continue to be highly productive treasures but are not representative of the Moon and thus can not address the priority science issues.

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Finding 5: The Moon may provide a unique Finding 5: The Moon may provide a unique location for observation and study of Earth, location for observation and study of Earth,

nearnear--Earth space and the universe.Earth space and the universe.

Recommendation 5: Recommendation 5: The committee recommends that The committee recommends that NASA consult scientific experts to evaluate the suitability NASA consult scientific experts to evaluate the suitability of the Moon as an observational siteof the Moon as an observational site for studies of the for studies of the Earth, heliophysics, astronomy, astrophysics, and Earth, heliophysics, astronomy, astrophysics, and astrobiology. astrobiology. Such studies should refer to prior NRC Decadal Such studies should refer to prior NRC Decadal Surveys and their established priorities. Surveys and their established priorities.

There are substantive uncertainties in the benefits and the costs of using the Moon as an observation platform. Detailed study is needed to explore diverse options in the context of VSE along with their advantages and disadvantages.

The Moon as seen from the Earth ~4.2 Gyr ago.

The Earth as seen from the Moon ~15 years from now.

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Lunar activities apply to broad scientific and exploration conceLunar activities apply to broad scientific and exploration concernsrns::

One of the basic principles of comparative planetology is that eOne of the basic principles of comparative planetology is that each ach world studied enables researchers to better understand other worworld studied enables researchers to better understand other worlds. lds. The Moon remains a cornerstone for deciphering the histories of The Moon remains a cornerstone for deciphering the histories of more more complex worlds. complex worlds.

Determination of the lunar impact flux during early solar systemDetermination of the lunar impact flux during early solar system history history would have profound implications for comprehending the evolutionwould have profound implications for comprehending the evolution of of the solar system, the early Earth, and the origin of life.the solar system, the early Earth, and the origin of life.

A detailed understanding of the lunar interior would bear on modA detailed understanding of the lunar interior would bear on models of els of planetary formation in general and the origin of the Earthplanetary formation in general and the origin of the Earth--Moon system Moon system in particular. in particular.

Exploration of the possibly iceExploration of the possibly ice--rich lunar poles could reveal important rich lunar poles could reveal important information about the history and distribution of solar system vinformation about the history and distribution of solar system volatiles. olatiles.

Concluding Remarks and ExamplesConcluding Remarks and Examples

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Related Findings and Related Findings and RecommendationsRecommendations

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Finding 1R: The successful Finding 1R: The successful integration of scienceintegration of science into into programs of human exploration has been a challenge. It programs of human exploration has been a challenge. It remains so for the VSE.remains so for the VSE.

Recommendation 1R: Recommendation 1R: NASA shouldNASA should Increase the potential to Increase the potential to successfully accomplish science in the VSE by: successfully accomplish science in the VSE by:

(1) developing an integrated human/robotic science strategy; (1) developing an integrated human/robotic science strategy;

(2) clearly stating where science fits in the Exploration System(2) clearly stating where science fits in the Exploration SystemMission DirectorateMission Directorate’’s (ESMD) goals and priorities; and s (ESMD) goals and priorities; and

(3) establishing a science office embedded in ESMD to plan and (3) establishing a science office embedded in ESMD to plan and implement science in the VSE. Following the Apollo model such animplement science in the VSE. Following the Apollo model such anoffice should report jointly to the Science Mission Directorate office should report jointly to the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and ESMD with the science office controlling the proven (SMD) and ESMD with the science office controlling the proven endend--toto--end science process.end science process.

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Finding 2R:Finding 2R: Great strides and major advances in robotics, space and Great strides and major advances in robotics, space and information technology and exploration techniques have been madeinformation technology and exploration techniques have been made since Apollo, since Apollo, accompanied by a greatly evolved understanding of and approach taccompanied by a greatly evolved understanding of and approach to planetary o planetary science, improvements in use of remote sensing and field and labscience, improvements in use of remote sensing and field and laboratory sample oratory sample analyses. analyses. Critical to achieving high science return in Apollo was the Critical to achieving high science return in Apollo was the selection of the lunar landing sites selection of the lunar landing sites andand involvement of the science involvement of the science communitycommunity in that process and in detailed mission planning.in that process and in detailed mission planning.

Recommendation 2R: Recommendation 2R: Development of a comprehensive process Development of a comprehensive process for lunar landing site selection that addresses the science goalfor lunar landing site selection that addresses the science goals s should be started by a science definition team.should be started by a science definition team. The choice of sites The choice of sites should evolve as understanding of lunar science progresses throushould evolve as understanding of lunar science progresses through the gh the refinement of science goals and the analysis of existing and newrefinement of science goals and the analysis of existing and newly acquired data. ly acquired data. Final selection should be done with full input of the science coFinal selection should be done with full input of the science community in order to mmunity in order to optimize science return while meeting engineering and safety conoptimize science return while meeting engineering and safety constraints. Science straints. Science should be designed and implemented as an integrated human/robotishould be designed and implemented as an integrated human/robotic program c program employing the best each has to offer.Extensive crew training andemploying the best each has to offer.Extensive crew training and mission mission simulation should be initiated early to help devise optimum explsimulation should be initiated early to help devise optimum exploration strategies.oration strategies.

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Finding 3R: The opportunity provided by the VSE to accomplish science is highly dependent for success upon modernizing the technology and instrumentation available.Without such, the full and promising potential of the VSE will not be realized.

Recommendation 3R:Recommendation 3R: NASANASA, with the intimate involvement of , with the intimate involvement of the science community, the science community, shouldshould immediately immediately initiate a program to initiate a program to develop and upgrade technology and instrumentationdevelop and upgrade technology and instrumentation that will that will enable the full potential of the VSE. Such a program must identenable the full potential of the VSE. Such a program must identify the ify the full set of requirements as related to achieving priority sciencfull set of requirements as related to achieving priority science e objectives and prioritize these in the context of programmatic objectives and prioritize these in the context of programmatic constraints. In addition, NASA should capitalize on their technconstraints. In addition, NASA should capitalize on their technology ology development investments by providing a clear path into flight development investments by providing a clear path into flight development.development.

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Finding 4R:Finding 4R: The NASA curatorial facilities and staff have provided an The NASA curatorial facilities and staff have provided an exemplary capability since the Apollo program to exemplary capability since the Apollo program to take advantage of the take advantage of the scientific information inherent in extraterrestrial samplesscientific information inherent in extraterrestrial samples. The VSE has . The VSE has the potential to add significant demands upon the curatorial facthe potential to add significant demands upon the curatorial facilities. ilities. The existing facilities and techniques are not sufficient to accThe existing facilities and techniques are not sufficient to accommodate ommodate that demand and new requirements that will ensue. that demand and new requirements that will ensue.

Recommendation 4R:Recommendation 4R: NASA should conduct a thoroughNASA should conduct a thoroughreview of all aspects of sample curationreview of all aspects of sample curation taking into account the taking into account the differences between a lunar outpostdifferences between a lunar outpost--based program and the based program and the sortie approach taken by Apollo.sortie approach taken by Apollo. Start with consideration of Start with consideration of documentation, collection and preservation procedures on the Moodocumentation, collection and preservation procedures on the Moon n and continue to consideration of facilities requirements for maiand continue to consideration of facilities requirements for maintaining ntaining and analyzing the samples on Earth. and analyzing the samples on Earth. NASA should enlist a broad NASA should enlist a broad group of scientistsgroup of scientists familiar with curatorial capabilities and the needs of familiar with curatorial capabilities and the needs of lunar science, such as the Curation and Analysis Planning Team flunar science, such as the Curation and Analysis Planning Team for or Extraterrestrial Samples (CAPTEM), to assist it with the review.Extraterrestrial Samples (CAPTEM), to assist it with the review.

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Consensus StatementConsensus Statement

It is the unanimous consensus of the committee that the Moon offers profound scientific value. The infrastructure provided by sustained human presence can enable remarkable science opportunities if those opportunities are evaluated and designed into the effort from the outset. While the expense of human exploration can not likely be justified on the basis of science alone, the committee emphasizes that careful attention to science opportunity is very much in the interest of a stable and sustainablelunar program. A vigorous near term robotic exploration programproviding global access is central to the next phase of scientific exploration of the Moon and is necessary both to prepare for the efficient utilization of human presence and to maintain scientific momentum as this major national program moves forward.

BackupBackup

OutreachOutreach

A Candidate Near Term Research StrategyA Candidate Near Term Research Strategy

NRC/NAS CMP/GAP 27

DateDate EventEvent LocationLocation Presentation TypePresentation Type PresentersPresenters

2424--27 July27 July ILEWGILEWG--88 Beijing, ChinaBeijing, China Oral PresentationOral Presentation David SmithDavid Smith

1818--22 22 SeptemberSeptember

EuroplanetEuroplanet Berlin, GermanyBerlin, Germany Oral PresentationOral Presentation Harald HiesingerHarald Hiesinger

25 September25 September NAC/PSSNAC/PSS Boulder, ColoradoBoulder, Colorado Oral PresentationOral Presentation George Paulikas, George Paulikas, Carle PietersCarle Pieters

33--4 October4 October LROC Team MeetingLROC Team Meeting Phoenix, ArizonaPhoenix, Arizona Conference CallConference Call Harald HiesingerHarald Hiesinger

8-13 October DPS Pasadena, California

Poster Paper David H. Smith, George Paulikas

11 October CSSP Washington, D.C. Conference Call George Paulikas, Carle Pieters

12 October DPS Pasadena, California

Press Conference; forum

George Paulikas, Carle Pieters, Bruce Banerdt

31 October-2 November

Space Resources Roundtable 8

Golden, Colorado Oral Presentation Michael Duke

29 November CAA Irvine, California Oral Presentation George Paulikas, Carle Pieters

28-30 November

STScI Astrophysics Enabled by Return to the Moon

Baltimore, Maryland

Oral Presentation Daniel Lester

Lunar Science Committee Outreach

NRC/NAS CMP/GAP 28

Lunar Science Committee Outreach (cont.)

DateDate EventEvent LocationLocation Presentation TypePresentation Type PresentersPresenters

4-6 December AIAA 2nd Space Exploration Workshop

Houston, Texas Panel Discussion Noel Hinners

4 December COMPLEX Irvine, California Oral Presentation George Paulikas, Carle Pieters

11-15 December

AGU San Francisco, California

Panel Discussion, Oral Presentation and Display

Carle Pieters

55--10 January10 January AASAAS Seattle, Seattle, WashingtonWashington

DisplayDisplay n/an/a

19 February19 February COELCOEL Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C. Conference CallConference Call George Paulikas, George Paulikas, Carle PietersCarle Pieters

2121--23 February23 February ISUISU Strasbourg, FranceStrasbourg, France Oral PresentationOral Presentation Harald HiesingerHarald Hiesinger

26 February-2 March

NAC Lunar Science Workshop

Tempe, Arizona Oral Presentation Carle Pieters

12-16 March LPSC Houston, Texas Forum Carle Pieters

15-20 April EGU Vienna, Austria Oral Presentation Harald Hiesinger

NRC/NAS CMP/GAP 29

A Candidate NearA Candidate Near--TermTermResearch StrategyResearch Strategy

Maximize the use of Apollo, postMaximize the use of Apollo, post--Apollo and planned (post Apollo and planned (post --2007) orbital 2007) orbital mission information; international participation likelymission information; international participation likely

Assure science from nearAssure science from near--term planned missions is achieved through data term planned missions is achieved through data analysis (reanalysis (re--fly instruments if necessary)fly instruments if necessary)

Land at lunar pole, evaluate volatiles, emplace geophysics statiLand at lunar pole, evaluate volatiles, emplace geophysics stationon

Emplace a fourEmplace a four--site geophysical network (seismic, heat flow, retroreflectors, site geophysical network (seismic, heat flow, retroreflectors, environment sensors); international participation likelyenvironment sensors); international participation likely

Conduct two robotic sample return missions:Conduct two robotic sample return missions:Central South PoleCentral South Pole--Aitken BasinAitken BasinYoungest volcanic terrainYoungest volcanic terrain

Conduct detailed exploration of lunar crust exposed at or near hConduct detailed exploration of lunar crust exposed at or near human Lunar uman Lunar Outpost (tentatively at South Pole); develop integrated roboticOutpost (tentatively at South Pole); develop integrated robotic--human field human field work capabilitieswork capabilities

NRC/NAS CMP/GAP 30

The RequestThe RequestMay 13, 2006May 13, 2006

From: Mary Cleave, NASA Associate Administrator for Science [SMFrom: Mary Cleave, NASA Associate Administrator for Science [SMD]D]To: Lennard Fisk, Chair of Space Studies Board, NRC/NASTo: Lennard Fisk, Chair of Space Studies Board, NRC/NASPrimary TasksPrimary Tasks

Identify a prioritized set of scientific goals that can be addreIdentify a prioritized set of scientific goals that can be addressed in the near ssed in the near term (~2006term (~2006--2018) by robotic lunar missions and in the mid term (~20182018) by robotic lunar missions and in the mid term (~2018--2023) by astronauts on the Moon.2023) by astronauts on the Moon.Suggest which of the identified scientific goals are amenable toSuggest which of the identified scientific goals are amenable to orbital orbital measurements, in situ study, or terrestrial analysis via the retmeasurements, in situ study, or terrestrial analysis via the return of lunar urn of lunar samples to the Earth.samples to the Earth.

Secondary TasksSecondary TasksComment on those areas where there is a synergistic overlap betwComment on those areas where there is a synergistic overlap between een measurements addressing scientific goals and measurements requirmeasurements addressing scientific goals and measurements required to ed to ensure human survival or resource utilization.ensure human survival or resource utilization.Collect and characterize possible scientific goals that might beCollect and characterize possible scientific goals that might be addressed on addressed on or from the Moon in the long term (i.e., after ~2023) and deservor from the Moon in the long term (i.e., after ~2023) and deserve further e further study.study.

NRC/NAS CMP/GAP 31

The Scientific Context for Exploration of the MoonThe Scientific Context for Exploration of the MoonStructure of the ReportStructure of the Report

Presented to NASA May 31, 2007Presented to NASA May 31, 2007

Overarching Themes of Solar System ExplorationOverarching Themes of Solar System Exploration

The Moon since Apollo: The Moon since Apollo: Major Hypotheses, Enabling Major Hypotheses, Enabling Factors and ParadigmsFactors and Paradigms

Science Concepts and Goals [Detailed Discussion]Science Concepts and Goals [Detailed Discussion]

Implementation Options and the International ContextImplementation Options and the International Context

Highest Priority Science Goals and ImplementationHighest Priority Science Goals and Implementation

Integrated High Priority Findings and RecommendationsIntegrated High Priority Findings and Recommendations

Related Findings and RecommendationsRelated Findings and Recommendations