Introduction to Japanese exploration study to the moon
2014
Abstract The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) views the
lunar lander
SELENE-2 as the successor to the
SELENEmission. In this presentation, the mission objectives of
SELENE-2 are shown together with the present design status of the spacecraft. JAXA launched the
Kaguya(
SELENE)
lunar orbiterin September 2007, and the spacecraft observed the Moon and a couple of small satellites using 15 instruments. As the next step in lunar exploration, the
lunar lander
SELENE-2 is being considered.
SELENE-2 will land on the lunar surface and perform in-situ scientific observations, environmental investigations, and research for future lunar utilization including human activity. At the same time, it will demonstrate key technologies for lunar and planetary exploration such as precise and safe landing, surface mobility, and overnight survival. The lander will carry laser
altimeters, image sensors, and landing radars for precise and safe landing. Landing legs and a precisely controlled propulsion system will also be developed. A rover is being designed to be able to travel over a wide area and observe featured terrain using
scientific instruments. Since some of the instruments require long-term observation on the lunar surface, technology for night survival over more than 2 weeks needs to be considered. The
SELENE-2 technologies are expected to be one of the stepping stones towards future Japanese human activities on the moon and to expand the possibilities for deep
space science.
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