4
1 Introduction
4. Soft-Landing
When the probe approaches or circles the Moon, it descends by its own propulsion
and lands on lunar surface at predefined attitude and low speed to support instruments operation on lunar surface. After landing, instruments onboard the lander can
make different types of exploration including taking photos of lunar surface, survey
of physical and chemical characteristics of lunar regolith, exploration of internal
structure, radiation and magnetic field of the Moon, observing the space and the
Earth by taking advantage of special condition of the Moon, and deploying the lunar
rover to explore different locations on the Moon. It is more extensive and accurate in
exploration of the Moon with comparison to orbiting the Moon. It is more difficult
to implement soft-landing on the Moon. Only the Soviet Union, the United States
and China succeeded in lunar soft-landing to date.
5. Sampling and Return
When the probe lands on the Moon, it takes lunar regolith or rock sample from surface
or subsurface, and brings the sample back to the Earth after lift-off on lunar surface.
It is important because the return sample can be analyzed by precise instruments in
ground laboratory besides in situ exploration after soft-landing. The Soviet Union
was the only country successfully implementing robotic lunar sample and return up
to date. The total mass of lunar sample returned by three successful the Soviet Union
missions was about 300 grams.
6. Manned Lunar Mission
A manned Moon mission is a mission that sends astronauts to the Moon orbit or
surface. When astronauts arrive at the Moon orbit or surface, they can perform
different kinds of exploration and research with tools and instrumentation. There are
some scientific research and experiments that cannot be done by robotic missions.
Usually a manned Moon mission can bring more lunar sample back to the Earth,
as well as gain experience for future manned lunar base construction and manned
deep space exploration beyond the Moon. In 1970s, the Apollo Program had sent 12
astronauts to lunar surface and brought back about lunar rock and regolith 380 kg.
The approach selection of lunar exploration is up to requirements of scientific
exploration and feasibility of technology. The contents of this book focus on the
lunar lander technology.
1 Introduction
4. Soft-Landing
When the probe approaches or circles the Moon, it descends by its own propulsion
and lands on lunar surface at predefined attitude and low speed to support instruments operation on lunar surface. After landing, instruments onboard the lander can
make different types of exploration including taking photos of lunar surface, survey
of physical and chemical characteristics of lunar regolith, exploration of internal
structure, radiation and magnetic field of the Moon, observing the space and the
Earth by taking advantage of special condition of the Moon, and deploying the lunar
rover to explore different locations on the Moon. It is more extensive and accurate in
exploration of the Moon with comparison to orbiting the Moon. It is more difficult
to implement soft-landing on the Moon. Only the Soviet Union, the United States
and China succeeded in lunar soft-landing to date.
5. Sampling and Return
When the probe lands on the Moon, it takes lunar regolith or rock sample from surface
or subsurface, and brings the sample back to the Earth after lift-off on lunar surface.
It is important because the return sample can be analyzed by precise instruments in
ground laboratory besides in situ exploration after soft-landing. The Soviet Union
was the only country successfully implementing robotic lunar sample and return up
to date. The total mass of lunar sample returned by three successful the Soviet Union
missions was about 300 grams.
6. Manned Lunar Mission
A manned Moon mission is a mission that sends astronauts to the Moon orbit or
surface. When astronauts arrive at the Moon orbit or surface, they can perform
different kinds of exploration and research with tools and instrumentation. There are
some scientific research and experiments that cannot be done by robotic missions.
Usually a manned Moon mission can bring more lunar sample back to the Earth,
as well as gain experience for future manned lunar base construction and manned
deep space exploration beyond the Moon. In 1970s, the Apollo Program had sent 12
astronauts to lunar surface and brought back about lunar rock and regolith 380 kg.
The approach selection of lunar exploration is up to requirements of scientific
exploration and feasibility of technology. The contents of this book focus on the
lunar lander technology.