The Lunar Science, Exploration & Utilisation Session will address the latest results from lunar missions, ground-based and satellite measurements, lunar meteorites research, terrestrial analogue studies, laboratory experiments, and modelling. The session aims to bring together contributions on theoretical models concerning the deep interior and subsurface structure and composition; observations of the surface morphology and composition; analyses of the atmospheric composition and dynamics; the interaction with the solar wind; analogue studies and future habitability of the Moon.
This session also aims at presenting highlights of results regarding the exploration and sustainable utilisation of the Moon through observations, modelling, and experiments. All past/current results as well as future exploration ideas and prospects are welcome.
In details, the topics of interest include:
- Lunar results: origins, geochemistry, geophysics in the context of open planetary science and exploration;
- Results from Clementine, Prospector, SMART-1, Kaguya, Chang’e programme, Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover, LCROSS, LADEE, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, Artemis and GRAIL, JAXA SLIM lander, and missions using NASA commercial lunar payload services.
- Goals and Status of missions under preparation: orbiters, Luna25-27, SLIM, GLXP legacy, LRP, commercial landers, future landers, Lunar sample return missions;
- Precursor missions, instruments and investigations for landers, rovers, sample return, and human cis-lunar activities and human lunar surface sorties with Artemis and Intl Lunar Research Station;
- Preparation for International Lunar Decade: databases, instruments, missions, terrestrial field campaigns (e.g., EuroMoonMars), In-Situ Resources, ISRU, support studies;
- ILEWG and Global Exploration roadmaps towards a global robotic/human Moon village;
Note that this session is open to all branches of lunar science and exploration, and is intended as an open forum and discussion between diverse experts and Earth geoscientists and explorers at large. It is co-sponsored by ILEWG, COSPAR, IAF International Astronautical Federation, Space Renaissance International and MVA Moon Village Association.