Germany plans Moon mission
The German Air and Space Centre (DLR) is planning its first independent mission to the Moon. If all goes to plan, a satellite will orbit the Moon for four years, providing data for the first detailed map of the lunar surface. This will then be followed by an unmanned rocket that will land a robot soil sampler. The DLR presented its plan to parliamentarians in Berlin at the end of February. The German Government, which would be needed to provide some of the €300 million needed for the mission, is believed to be open to the plan. The ministerial director responsible for space is quoted as saying that the Government is 'not negatively disposed' to the idea. In order to win full support, the project would however need to pursue clear scientific and technical objectives, such as long-term improvements in radar technology or robotics. The DLR is confident that within four years, the Moon can be completely mapped to a resolution of one metre per pixel. Until now, only 18% of the Moon has been mapped. Germany is well known for its expertise in outer space measurement, as well as photographic and radar technology. The high resolution cameras on board Mars Express were provided by Germany, and the same team, based in Berlin, may be asked to build the planned satellite. The two largest German space exploration enterprises - OHB System and EADS-Astrium - have been asked to conduct preliminary studies on the proposal. Germany is a member of the European Space Agency (ESA), but membership places no restrictions on unilateral missions. The UK and Italy, also ESA members, have looked at the possibility of a mission to the Moon, while internationally, the US, Russia, China, India and Japan have proposals on the table.
Countries
Germany