SUN-SYNCHRONOUS LUNAR POLAR ROVER AS A FIRST STEP TO RETURN TO THE MOON

Abstract

Lunar discoveries having the greatest impact to human and robotic exploration and habitation will occur near the poles [1]. Specifically, the characterization and utilization of in situ resources such as propellant and life support expendables are of paramount importance to exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond. We assert that locations near the lunar poles offer significant advantages for initial human and robotic presence and the greatest potential for development in future decades [2]. In this paper we make a case for sending a sunsynchronous exploration rover (see Fig. 1) to the lunar south pole as the first step in human return to the Moon. The key technical challenges associated with this concept are: Magellan route identification from lunar data, long-life locomotion for the lunar environment, and high-speed autonomous guidance, navigation, control. We examine each of these and propose a plan to mature the key technologies toward flight.