The need for plasma measurements from the lunar surface

The Moon’s lack of global magnetic field or substantial atmosphere leads to unique plasma-surface interactions which affect the properties and dynamics of the near surface lunar environment in which robotic and human operations will be conducted in the next decades. Conversely, robotic and human operations are expected to have small- and large-scale on the once-pristine lunar near surface environment. Characterizing and understanding the lunar plasma environment is therefore an urgent task needed to understand unique plasma processes. We present plasma-related science objectives to be addressed by future missions.