Synopsis
Here is a summary of the key points from the presentation:
- The Lunar Discovery and Exploration Program (LDEP) has several elements including Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), the VIPER rover, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter operations, Lunar Trailblazer, and science instrument development.
- Upcoming CLPS deliveries in 2023 include payloads from Astrobotic and Intuitive Machines. VIPER is targeting delivery to the Moon in November 2024.
- The Lunar Trailblazer mission will map water ice and other volatiles on the Moon. It is launching as a rideshare with Intuitive Machines in November 2023.
- NASA is selecting science teams and instruments for upcoming Artemis missions through open competitions. This includes the Artemis III Geology Team and instruments for the Lunar Terrain Vehicle.
- The Planetary Science Decadal Survey identified Endurance-A, a long-range rover to collect samples from the South Pole-Aitken Basin, as the top priority lunar mission. NASA is studying concepts to implement this recommendation.
- NASA is developing training programs and mission planning processes to enable scientific exploration during Artemis missions. Recent analog field tests like JETT3 have focused on integrating science objectives into EVA timelines and flight control operations.
- NASA announced 13 candidate landing sites for Artemis III and is analyzing the options based on engineering constraints and science value. Community input will be gathered at an upcoming Lunar Exploration Analysis Group meeting.
