EUROMOON 2000 - A plan for a European lunar South Pole expedition

EuroMoon 2000 is on initiative by ESA and European Space industry to mark the progress of European space activities into the new millennium. The objective is to land a spacecraft at a continuously sunlit point on the rim of the lunar South Pole crater. EuroMoon 2000 will be launched by a Soyuz-Molniya vehicle in early 2001 to make a landing in April of that year. An initial orbital phase will carry out detailed mapping of the landing area and establish the lunar gravitational potential accurately in rehearsal for the descent. The lender will use a combination of inertial guidance and optical imaging augmented by ground support to land within a 100 m target circle. The mission design is aimed at providing "hold points" and recovery capabilities to provide the highest possible likelihood of mission success. To achieve short schedules, low risk and low cost, emphasis is being placed on maximum use of existing equipment. The project is being run or an ESA/industry partnership with a small core ream providing prime activities. (C) 1998 International Astronautical Federation. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.