Http://sci.esa.int/iceum11 - International Lunar Decade
2010- Beijing Lunar Declaration 2010 -467 International Lunar Explorers, registered delegates from 26 countries, assembled at GLUC Global Lunar Conference including the 11th ILEWG Conference on Exploration and Utilisation of the Moon (ICEUM11) from 31 May to 3 June 2010, in Beijing. The GLUC-ICEUM11 was co-organised by the International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG), the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Chinese Society of Astronautics (CSA), with the support of China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation (CASC). More than 50 International and Chinese high-level officials attended the opening ceremony of the Global Lunar Conference and 400 students joined a Youth event at Beijing Institute of Technology. The conference engaged scientists, engineers, enthusiast explorers, agencies and organisations in the discussion of recent results and activities and the review of plans for exploration. Space agencies representatives gave the latest reports on their current lunar activities and programmes.GLUC-ICEUM11 was a truly historical meeting that demonstrated the world-wide interest in lunar exploration, discovery, and science. More than 400 abstracts were accepted for oral and poster presentations in the technical sessions, organised in 32 sessions within 4 symposia: Science and Exploration; Technology and Resource Utilisation; Infrastructure and Human aspects; Moon, Space and Society. The latest technical achievements and results of recent missions (SMART-1, Kaguya, Chang'E1, Chandrayaan-1, LCROSS and LRO) were discussed at a plenary panel and technical sessions, with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) still in operation. Chang'E1 has generated many useful results for the community. Four plenary panel sessions were conducted: 1. What are the plans? 2. New mission results; 3. From space stations and robotic precursors to lunar bases; 4. Moon, Space, SocietyThe participants summarised their findings, discussions and recommend:- To continue efforts by agencies and the community on previous ICEUM recommendations, and the continuation of the ILEWG forum, technical groups activities and pilot projects. 1. Science and exploration- World-wide access to raw and derived (geophysical units) data products using consistent formats and coordinate systems will maximize return on investment. We call to develop and implement plans for generation, validation, and release of these data products.? Data should be made available for scientific analysis and supporting the development and planning of future missions- There are still Outstanding Questions: Structure and composition of crust, mantle, and core and implications for the origin and evolution of the Earth-Moon system; Timing, origin, and consequences of late heavy bombardment; Impact processes and regolith evolution; Nature and origin of volatile emplacement; Implications for resource utilization. These questions require international cooperation and sharing of results in order to be answered in a cost-effective manner- Ground truth information on the lunar far side is missing and needed to address many important scientific questions, e.g. with a sample return from South Pole- Aitken Basin- Knowledge of the interior is poor relative to the surface, and is needed to address a number of key questions, e.g. with International Lunar Network for seismometry and other geophysical measurements- Lunar missions will be driven by exploration, resource utilization, and science; we should consider minimum science payload for every mission, e.g., landers and rovers should carry instruments to determine surface composition and mineralogy- It is felt important to have a shared database about previous missions available for free, so as to provide inputs to future missions, including a gap analysis of needed measurements. Highly resolved global data sets are required. Autonomous landing and hazard avoidance will depend on the best topographic map of the Moon, achievable by combining shared data.- New topics such as life sciences, partial gravity processes on the Moon should be followed in relation to future exploration needs. 2. Technologies and resources - A number of robotic missions to the Moon are now undertaken independently by various nations, with a degree of exchange of information and coordination.? That should increase towards real cooperation, still allowing areas of competition for keeping the process active, cost-effective and faster. - Lunar landers, pressurized lunar rover projects as presented from Europe, Asia and America are important steps that can create opportunities for international collaboration, within a coordinated village of robotic precursors and assistants to crew missions. - We have to think about development, modernization of existing navigation capabilities, and provision of lunar positioning, navigation and data relay assets to support future robotic and human exploration. New concepts and new methods for transportation have attracted much attention and are of great potential.3. Infrastructures and human aspects- It is recommended to have technical sessions and activities dealing with different aspects of human adaptation to space environments, the modeling of sub-systems, microbial protection and use of inflatable technologies- While the Moon is the best and next logical step in human exploration, we should make best use of the space stations as stepping stones for exploration and human spaceflight beyond Low Earth Orbit. - Further research is needed on lunar dust aspects in regard to humans and interaction with habitats. We note high interest in CELSS for Moon and Mars bases, and recommend further research and development. - We recommend the development and use of terrestrial analogues research sites and facilities, for technology demonstrations, comparative geology and human performance research, and public engagement. We endorse the proposal of development of a site at La Reunion for international Moon-Mars analogue research.4. Moon, Space, Society and Young Explorers- We consider that the current legal regime as set out in the Outer Space Treaty and the Moon agreement are satisfactory for current and future missions, but may require further clarification for future exploration. Issues of transparency and security will need to be addressed.- Great things are happening for Young Lunar Explorers, with inspiring missions and hands-on activities as coordinated by ILEWG. Lunar exploration is encouraging students of all ages to pursue higher education. ?- More possibilities for participatory engagement should be offered to the society for example via interdisciplinary activities with the humanities.- We appreciate the work from COSPAR panel on Exploration PEX that should be shared further.- Continued cooperation should be enforced at all levels. The space community feels strongly that joining the forces of space faring nations to explore the Moon should be seriously implemented, with the views of expanding a Global Robotic Village and building in the long run a Manned International Lunar Base. - We propose that a panel be formed through ILEWG with the help of IAF and Chinese Society of Astronautics in cooperation with space agencies, COSPAR and other stakeholders in order to initiate a permanent International Space Exploration Governance Forum.We, the participants of the GLUC-ICEUM11 conference, commit to an enhanced global cooperation towards international lunar exploration for the benefit of humankind.Endorsed by the delegates of GLUC-ICEUM11 Beijing, 2 June 2010 ILEWG Conference on Exploration and Utilization of the Moon (ICEUM10)31 October 2008- Cape Canaveral Lunar Declaration -Approximately 200 International Lunar Explorers gathered at the 10th ILEWG Conference on Exploration and Utilization of the Moon (ICEUM10) co-sponsored by the International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG), NASA Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG), Space Resources Roundtable (SRR) and the Lunar and Planetary Institute, from 27 to 31 October, at Cape Canaveral, Florida, US. The conference engaged scientists, engineers, industry and organizations in the review of recent activities and the coordinated preparation of the next steps on the Moon.The Japanese Kaguya and Chinese Chang' E1 celebrated one year in lunar orbit, and have delivered a wealth of science data, discoveries and exploration findings. The SMART-1 team presented latest data on polar peaks relevant for future landers and bases. The Indian ISRO Chandrayaan-1 mission (carrying 6 international instruments) has just been launched on 22 October towards the Moon. The NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) impactor are scheduled for joint launch in spring 2009. The participants appreciated the steady progress in technology development within the NASA Constellation programme.? NASA, national space agencies representatives and ESA gave the latest report on their current lunar science and exploration activities and plans. International Young Lunar Explorers met before the conference at Florida Institute of Technology to brainstorm, present their ideas, conduct hands-on lunar projects, and then joined veteran explorers at the Cape Canaveral lunar conference. The 4 day conference included various sessions:Plenary on space agencies' activities and plansDefining the path for human return to the MoonTechnology development facilitating exploration and international on-ramp activitiesPrecursor missionsSurface operationsBack to the MoonStatus of space law as it relates to the MoonFacilitating exploration and settlement using robotic missions, human-robotic partnerships and In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)Session chairs reports, wrap-up plenary, and the ILEWG declarationThe participants addressed these themes further during a very interactive poster session, debates and collaborative discussions. The participants were charged by LEAG, ILEWG and SRR to address key questions:What technologies need to be developed now for human return to the Moon (and beyond)? What are the critical elements for robotic development, habitats and hazard prevention? What is the current state of ISRU development? What are logical architectures and open implementation to allow effective integration of international elements? What opportunities are afforded within the current architecture for commercial on-ramps and how can these be facilitated? What are the needs/advantages of robotic missions for advancing lunar science and benefiting human exploration? What technology developments in robotic exploration are being conducted by various countries and agencies? How can human-robotic partnerships be used to develop and build a long-term presence on the Moon? What are the drilling challenges on planetary surfaces and how can they be addressed?How can future lunar surface activities be optimised?What precursor lunar surface experiments are of highest priority for space settlement/ commercial development?What policy and regulations issues should be addressed?How to engage the public and youth in lunar exploration?The participants summarized their findings, and recommend: To continue efforts by space agencies and the community on previous ILEWG and ICEUM recommendations. We applaud the progress and coordination between agencies on technical issues such as: coordinated lunar architecture activities, International Lunar Network, definition of common infrastructure assets, compatible data archiving and exchange formats, and collaborations on missions. To plan and schedule for opportunities for international cooperation and commercial participation at various levels.To address critical technologies needed to prepare for Human exploration, including life support systems, energy production and storage, advanced concepts for human and robotic operations and mobility, the development of lightweight automatic and astronaut assisted drilling, and lunar laboratory facilities. Comprehensive studies are needed on optimized design of human lunar outpost, the delivery of cargo logistics, and evolutionary concepts for making use of local resources to enable a sustainable presence. To study various aspects of lunar dust, by modeling, terrestrial simulations in the laboratory and in the field, and lunar precursor robotic missions. This includes erosion effects due to landing rockets, the chemical reactivity and biological hazards of lunar dust, analogues and protection measures, and dust mitigation using various techniques.To implement early robotic missions needed to understand the science of the Moon (specifically the lunar interior and environment), to provide platforms to make science and exploration measurements, to develop integrated suites of instruments on landers and rovers, and to engage early in effective international collaboration and commercial participation.? Lunar challenges and prizes (such as the Google Lunar X Prize) should be further developed.To advance lunar science and benefit human exploration by helping assess lunar resources and other key aspects of the lunar environment, as well as helping identify the most effective systems to support human presence.To place special priority on helping enable human settlement and commerce through:? Development and demonstration of lunar resource utilization methods; creation of infrastructure for transportation, communications, and navigation; and validation of viable models for economically self-sustaining commerce.To stress the importance of field testing of systems and investigating how robotic systems could be used prior to and with humans on the Moon.To consider food plants, life science and astrobiology precursor experiments to inform the development of sustainable habitation on the Moon and beyond.To continue the activities of the ILEWG Lunar Surface Operations working group in the definition of science operations and compatibility issues for both initial robotic and later human missions, to complement the ongoing work of the various space agencies.To define and update a basic set of lunar textbooks, tutorial material and website resources to train the next generation of explorers, and to educate everyone else.We endorse the recommendations of the Young Lunar Explorers (YLEs) to create a central database about lunar projects and student contests, to give partial funding to more YLEs to attend lunar exploration conferences, to organize “show and tell” engaging sessions, to establish a network between YLEs and mentoring experts for projects and internships, to create a list of contacts for lunar outreach over the world, to enhance hands-on projects, and to support student payload opportunities to the Moon.?We recommend that, as requested by space agencies and lunar exploration stakeholders, ILEWG expert task groups should further advance their work in the areas of:Science of, on, and from the Moon;Living and working on the Moon;Key technologies;Utilization of lunar resources;Infrastructures for lunar bases;Surface operations;Society, law, policy, and commerce;Public outreach, education, multicultural aspects; andYoung Lunar Explorers.These recommendations follow the legacy of previous ILEWG declarations, recommendations, publications, action plan and roadmap.We, the participants in the ILEWG/LEAG/SRR 2008 conference, reaffirm our commitment to international lunar exploration, from the analysis and integration of current lunar orbiter data, to the development of lunar landers and rovers, the build up of a global robotic village, and the preparation for human settlements and international lunar bases.Cape Canaveral, 31 October 2008 ILEWG International Conference on Exploration and Utilization of the Moon- Sorrento Lunar Declaration - More than 200 International Lunar Explorers gathered at the 9th International Conference on Exploration and Utilisation of the Moon (ICEUM9), held 22 - 26 October in Sorrento, near Naples. It was hosted by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and ESA, organised together with the International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG). The ICEUM9 conference engaged Lunar Explorers (veteran and young, scientists, engineers, industry and organisations) in the review of recent activities and the preparation of the next steps on the Moon. Exciting ICEUM9 real time events included the watch of the International Space Station (ISS) passing over Sorrento, and the live broadcast of the STS-120 Discovery launch, docking to the ISS and astronauts handshake.The SMART-1 team presented latest results from the data analysis, and unveiled new polar image mosaics maps and other data, as well as technology lessons that will be used to assist future missions and the definition of the next landers. Since 4 October, the Japanese Kaguya spacecraft has been orbiting the Moon and has detached its sub-satellites. The ICEUM9 participants could witness in real time on 24 October the successful launch of Chang'E 1, the first Chinese lunar mission. The Indian Chandrayaan-1 mission (carrying three European and two US instruments) is preparing for launch in spring 2008. Last but not least, the NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and LCROSS impactor are scheduled for joint launch in October 2008.Representatives of National space agencies as well as ESA gave the latest news on their current lunar exploration activities and plans. ICEUM experts discussed science, technology, missions and plans, starting or enhancing collaborations for future space exploration. Several ICEUM splinter task groups presented their work on "Science of and from the Moon", "Living on the Moon", "Key technologies", "Utilisation of lunar resources", "Infrastructures for lunar bases", "Society, law, policy, economics", "Public outreach, education, arts, multi-cultural aspects". During the Lunar Science sessions, the most recent discoveries on the Moon and concepts for future missions were debated. In the technologies sessions, lunar exploration activities were presented on missions, landers, rovers, robotic outposts, and habitats.Young Lunar Explorers (with travel support from ESA, ASI and ILEWG) organised one of the sessions, to brainstorm, present their ideas, dreams and hands-on lunar projects. They reflected on low cost missions, human habitats, lunar governance. The ICEUM9 participants recommend to space agencies and lunar exploration stakeholders: That, in view of the new framework document for international exploration developed by the Space Agencies Exploration Coordination Group, the ECG could benefit from the capabilities and knowledge of the ILEWG technical membership and ICEUM previous work and legacy To advance the integration and analysis of data and results from historical and new lunar missionsTo sustain the resources for the lunar community, in synergy with Mars and other planetary science and exploration missionsTo use opportunities for international cooperation at all levels (agency, mission, instrument, science, subsystem, or operations). This can increase sustainability through investment in the upcoming missions that are multi-purpose by designTo continue efforts by space agencies and communities on previous ILEWG and ICEUM recommendations. We recognise the progress and coordination between agencies made on the technical issues of the Beijing06 declaration such as: cross-calibration targets, common co-ordinates reference frame, PDS-PSA compatible data archiving data formatsTo address outstanding lunar science questions remaining to be resolved (relating to mineralogy, geochemistry, interior structure, gravity, topography, polar regions, volatiles, environment protection) as well as the scientific investigations that can be performed from the Moon as a platform (astrophysics, solar physics, Earth observations, life sciences)To encourage much closer interactions between projects at a scientist-to-scientist level in order to ensure that the synergies within these complementary approaches yield the maximum scientific returnTo evolve ICEUM unique gatherings, moving to a workshop mode to promote these interactions between worldwide missions and to fully utilise the incredible wealth of lunar data that are now coming in. We have reached a cusp point where we need to find a new way of working together more effectively, with a sustained oriented international effort to support projects from space agenciesTo give more emphasis on the human aspects within the ILEWG community, and to build up cooperation on human international lunar missionsTo support and ensure Lunar data dissemination via modern free web-based interfaces, especially for countries without immediate access to the current databases or analysis toolsTo establish an informal Lunar Surface Operations Working Group under the ILEWG, which would aid in the definition of compatibility issues, such as interoperability for both initial robotic and later human missions. We need now to exchange information and coordinate the studies of national lunar missions that could lead to complementary elements of a global robotic villageTo reaffirm commitment to support the presence of Young Lunar Explorers (YLEs) in the international lunar exploration programme, based on the success of the already existing student lunar projects and the emergence of new missions building on past experienceTo support the undertaking of a broader range of student lunar projects such as cubesats and instruments piggybacking on missions to the MoonTo expand our support to student lunar lander projects as a logical next step in the YLE’s vision of lunar explorationTo encourage low-level data exchange program development so that YLEs may have access to scientific data from lunar missions to enhance their researchTo initiate discussion in areas of immediate political and legal concern regarding lunar exploration and the use of the Moon for the benefit of human kindTo engage the public (and in particular youth) in science and technology in this International Lunar Decade, from the Lunar Odyssey excitement of upcoming orbiters and landersWe, ICEUM9 participants, reaffirm our commitment to international lunar exploration, from the science analysis of current precursor robotic missions, to the global robotic village, and the preparation of international human settlements on the Moon.Endorsed unanimously by the ICEUM9 participants, Sorrento, Italy, 26 October 2007ICEUM9 Contacts Prof. Bernard H. Foing (Executive Director, ILEWG & Senior Research Coordinator, ESA SCI-S), Bernard.Foingesa.int Dr. Sylvie Espinasse (ASI, chair of ICEUM9 Local Organising Committee): Sylvie.Espinasseasi.it Related LinksSee also right-hand side navigation:ILEWG website?? conference website?? , The International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG) is a public forum created in 1994, sponsored by the world's space agencies to support "international cooperation towards a world strategy for the exploration and utilization of the Moon - our natural satellite".The charter of ILEWG is:?To develop an international strategy for the exploration of the Moon?To establish a forum and mechanisms for the communication and coordination of activities?To implement international coordination and cooperation?In order to facilitate communication among all interested parties ILEWG agrees to establish an electronic communication network for exchange of science, technology and programmatic information related to lunar activitiesILEWG meets regularly, at least, once a year, and leads the organization of an International Conference in order to discuss the state of lunar exploration. Formal reports are given at COSPAR meetings and to space agencies. ILEWG International Conference on Exploration and Utilization of the MoonLunar Beijing DeclarationMore than 240 experts and 300 students from 18 countries met in Beijing from 23 to 27 July 2006 for the 8th ILEWG Conference on Exploration and Utilization of the Moon, kindly and effectively hosted by CNSA, with support from CASC, LEPC, CSSAR, CAECC. Based on the deliberations and opinions, the participants have prepared the Lunar Beijing Declaration.We salute the SMART-1 team for a successful technology and science mission, as the spacecraft approaches its grand finale. This small spacecraft has initiated an exciting International Lunar Decade that will inspire a new generation of lunar explorers.Within the next two years, four independent spacecraft (SELENE, Chang'E 1, Chandrayaan 1 and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) will orbit the Moon carrying an extensive array of sophisticated science and exploration instruments. Our understanding of the Moon and its resources will be revolutionized when the rich array of data from this flotilla is analyzed by scientists and experts around the world. Since the first phase of lunar exploration is centered on remote-sensing observations, we endorse the following actions as being of long-term mutual benefit:?1.?Internationally coordinated analyses should be carried out to facilitate the validation of data sets produced by different instruments and to enhance the usefulness of information acquired by multiple spacecraft?2.?A small number of specific targets are recommended to facilitate both the cross-calibration of different instruments and to train young explorers in lunar science issues. After initial calibration, data should be made available for coordinated analyses by the international community?3.?All solar monitor data from lunar orbital missions should, to the extent possible, be made available as rapidly as possible. Cross correlation of this information will improve calibration of all the instruments dependent on knowledge of solar fluxes?4.?Every effort should be made to coordinate development and utilization of a common, improved Lunar Coordinates Reference Frame?5.?Lunar mission teams are encouraged to archive final mission data products in a PDS-compatible form, to implement international standards for access, and to support Unicode, or other necessary format?6.?The establishment of Common standards for S-band spacecraft communication, with potential for common tracking operations and backup support to other missions, if necessary?7.?A coordinated campaign to provide data cross-check and validation for modern-era missions that have overlap in coverage, with data and experience from Past missions (including. archived and digitized Apollo and Soviet-era lunar data) is recommended?8.?Information about the five impact events/probes [SMART-1, Chandrayaan-1, LCROSS, SELENE RSAT and VSAT] and subsequent impacts of lunarcrafts should be coordinated with other space missions. Ground-based and space-based measurements are encouraged for near-side events. All of the planned four orbital missions are asked observe the SMART-1 impact site. Before, after, and real-time measurements should be planned by all spacecraft that are in orbit during the impact eventsTo strengthen exchange between lunar experts and to enhance collaboration, we recommend to international science and space organizations join in and support the International Lunar Decade. For the subsequent phase of Lunar Global Robotic Village and preparation for human exploration, we further recommend: ?9.?To promote use of standardized telecommunications, navigation, and VLBI support for future orbiter, lander and rover missions. We propose that ILEWG and agencies study the opportunity to embark some payload technologies for navigation and guidance on orbiters and landers as part of a Global Moon Navigation and Positioning System.?10.?Lunar Missions should document their plans for end of operations. Before completing their mission, future orbiters could be placed on frozen stable orbits where they can participate in a joint infrastructure for data relay, aid to navigation and lunar internet, in addition to landed surface beacons?11.?Recognizing the importance of the geophysical studies of the interior of the Moon for understanding its formation and evolution, the necessity for a better monitoring of all natural hazards (radiation, meteorites impacts and shallow moonquakes) on the surface, and the series of landers planned by agencies in the period 2010-2015 as an unique opportunity for setting up a geophysical network on the Moon, we recommend the creation of an international scientific working group for definition of a common standard for future Moon network instruments, in a way comparable to Earth seismology and magnetism networks. We encourage interested agencies and research organizations to study inclusion of network instruments in the Moon landers payload and also piggyback deployment of a Moon Geophysical and Environmental Suitcase ?12.?The importance of protecting the Moon becomes more urgent than ever before, as we enter a decade with many planned lunar exploration missions, including orbiters, impactors, penetrators and landers. We encourage space agencies to give their attention to the protection of the Moon for sustainable exploration, research and utilization. A dedicated task force should be set up to study this issue and produce a recommendation for all future missions?13.?Lunar Exploration is ideal for outreach activities that are accessible and inspiring for the next generation of explorers. We encourage student participation in lunar payloads and missions. We propose to use milestones of lunar missions for public outreach events promoting exploration, space science and technologyWe reaffirm our commitment, with the international lunar missions and research community, to prepare the way for global participation in the extension of human presence on the Moon and beyond, for the benefit of all mankind. Beijing, July 27, 2006Unanimously approved by the participants International Conference on the Exploration and Utilization of the Moon- Toronto Declaration -Three hundred lunar explorers from more than 13 countries gathered from 18 till 23 September 2005 in Toronto, Canada, under the auspices of the International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG) for a conference on the Exploration and Utilization of the Moon. The following is the summary of their findings and recommendations. The Moon is a challenge that can expand the envelopes of knowledge, technical development, utilization and opportunities for humanity in space and on Earth. We need to accelerate the exploration of the Moon to use its resources; to provide for our future needs in space and on Earth; to foster progress; to expand life beyond Earth and to establish a second reservoir of human culture. Our vision is one of expanding humanity into space on an endless journey of exploration and discovery. We have entered de facto a new era of permanent robotic presence around the Moon, currently with the ESA SMART1 lunar orbiter and continuing with China's Chang'E-1, Japan's SELENE, India's Chandrayaan-1, the U.S. Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, and other missions before 2010, all of which are expected to bring new discoveries and raise new questions. They offer an opportunity for international cooperation and synergies for science, exploration, and long-term public and private development. We strongly support coordinated spacecraft operations and the exchange and integration of data between space agencies to effectively prepare the next steps of exploration. We recommend the formation of an interagency task group to formulate standardisation of lunar data archives, to facilitate wider use of information and protocols for data sharing. We support the goals of a comprehensive series of surface elements including landers and rovers at the poles and other key sites (such as the continuing U.S. Robotic Lunar Exploration Program (RLEP 2), SELENE-II, Chang'E -2 and 3, as well as Sample Return and other lunar demonstrators). We advocate robotic engineering precursors for geophysical characterization, life sciences, in-situ resource utilization and the deployment of infrastructures in preparation for human-tended operations. We recommend continuing improvement of remote sensing in 3 D surface and subsurface mapping and the deployment of micro systems as secondary payloads. Cooperation is needed on data exchange, knowledge sharing, requirements development, international standards, interoperability and codes for communications and construction. Beyond the global lunar robotic village, we recommend a sequence of science enabled, technology, exploration and commercial missions on the road to permanent human lunar presence. The United States has announced a crew and cargo transportation architecture for Robotic and Human Lunar Exploration and has invited international cooperation. Other nations are actively discussing plans for future lunar exploration missions. These missions offer great potential for international partnerships— for instance through the development of a "global lunar village". Considering individual goals and objectives of different stakeholders, we encourage the continued dialogue between nations to facilitate the definition of future lunar exploration elements. In order to learn to "live off the land" upon our return to the Moon, it will be necessary to conceive, develop, and refine technologies that can lead to establishing an efficient, self-sustaining Lunar Base as a key step toward extending human culture into the Solar System. We encourage a model of effective international collaboration. We should continue and expand dialogue between commercial, technical and scientific stakeholders, with discussion on infrastructure for multiple usage and growth. Agencies and government should encourage entrepreneurial activities via prizes and challenges (Jim Benson received the 2005 ILEWG technology and commercial development award). A legal and regulatory regime needs to be developed and implemented that can foster commercial lunar activities. At Toronto, the ILC2005 participants virtually travelled to the Moon in the special ILEWG premiere of the IMAX film "Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D", in the presence of Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin (recipient of the 2005 ILEWG "Earth-Moon Achievement" award). We recommend expanded public outreach and education to engage all people in lunar exploration. We recognize the achievement of students (the SSETI express team received 2005 ILEWG Young Lunar Explorers award) and encourage an action for student payloads on lunar missions. To encourage and stimulate the peaceful and progressive development of the Moon, we urge to continue international cooperation between nations, space agencies and private companies, in the planning and development of a "global lunar village", with robotic assets and permanent human bases for the benefit of all humanity. The participants to the International Lunar Conference23 September 2005Toronto, Canada International Conference on the Exploration and Utilization of the Moon- Udaipur Declaration -The Sixth International Lunar Conference was held 22-26 November 2004 in Udaipur, India hosted by PRL and ISRO, and cosponsored by the International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG) and ESA. The President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam, addressed the group with insightful vision and highly relevant recommendations for international activities in exploration of the Moon, "for the benefit of human kind". Discussions and presentations by 200 scientists from 17 countries focused on new and planned missions to the Moon as well as roadmap concepts for long term exploration of the Moon and utilization of lunar resources. The program included key elements of science overview and opportunities for young scientists. The participants express gratitude to the Organizing Committee for the rich opportunity for extensive interactions as well as the culturally enhancing environment and program.A new lunar decade has begun. SMART-1 technology opens the fleet of new missions being flown to the Moon. Plans for Chandrayaan-1 are timely, scientifically relevant, building infrastructure for future exploration. Additional complementary missions of exceptional value include SELENE, Lunar-A, Chang’E, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and Moonrise.We acknowledge that fundamental science questions about the Moon remain to be addressed, not only to understand the early history of the Earth/Moon system and its current environment, but also to acquire knowledge for the next steps of exploration and human utilization. Of prime importance is formation and evolution of the terrestrial planets, including the origin of the Moon. Central is the impact history at 1 AU, including the absolute timing of early events such as the giant basins. A major unknown is also the internal structure of the Moon, both its geophysical and compositional properties. The Moon is a natural laboratory for studying the interaction with the space environment, together with the products produced such as the polar deposits.Recognizing that the lunar exploration program must later include advanced orbital instruments as well as in-situ analyses from several surface stations and targeted sample return, we urge broad and open discussion and coordination for selections of landing sites to optimize the science return and benefit for exploration.We believe that exploration and utilization of the Moon will bring global benefits to human kind as well as serve national needs, and we recommend an international plan for implementation. The participants endorse the ILEWG stepwise approach, starting with joint science analysis from ongoing precursor missions (Smart-1, Lunar-A, Selene, Chang'E, Chandrayaan-1, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, Moonrise), continuing with lunar landers cooperating into an international lunar robotic village before 2014, evolving technologies for man-tended missions and preparing the ground for an effective, affordable human lunar exploration and permanent presence by 2024. We encourage space agencies to coordinate and integrate their plans in a robust international Moon-Mars roadmap in coordination with the ILEWG roadmap, where the partners can identify their contribution for an effective implementation using their skills.As we move forward with mission implementation, we urge the space agencies to study and coordinate international lunar infrastructures and assets, such as telecommunication, navigation, logistics, lunar internet, that are necessary for an effective lunar exploration. We specifically recommend coordination of international efforts for the establishment of "standards" to facilitate lunar exploitation and settlement – for example, use of the metric system, well-characterized lunar soil simulants, common data formats and instrument interfaces; frequency, and power. We urge establishment of a standard lunar geodetic network. We also recommend that the "Moon Treaty" be revisited, refined, and revised as necessary in light of the present-day impetus for expeditions, both robotic and human, to the Moon by several nations.The next ILEWG International Conference on Exploration and Utilization of the Moon will be a focused conference held in Canada September 2005. A full International Conference on Exploration and Utilization of the Moon will be held in China during July 2006 before the COSPAR Beijing assembly.We believe missions to the Moon have an enormous potential to inspire both the young as well as their parents because the Moon is visible to all and is within our reach to visit. Herewith we encourage young scientists of different fields and nations to join this activity and work together in realizing lunar exploration goals.26 November, 2004Udaipur, India Hawaii Moon Declaration08 December 2003The International Lunar Conference 2003 was held on Hawaii, USA, in November. Over 130 participants of the ILC, and the earlier ILEWG 5 meeting, spent many long hours and 4 major discussion sessions to complete the "Hawaii Moon Declaration". The Conference was a notable success, pointing to human lunar presence within the decade, and thankfully, will be succeeded by ILEWG 6 in India 22-26 November 2004, by ILEWG 7 in China or Europe in 2005. Finally, we especially extend thanks and mahalos to all the participants involved in ILC2003 / ILEWG 5, ?The Organizers, ILC2003 / ILEWG 5 Hawaii, THE HAWAII MOON DECLARATIONThe Moon is currently the focus of an international program of scientific investigation. Current missions underway or planned will lead to the future use of the Moon for science and commercial development, thereby multiplying opportunities for humanity in space and on Earth. We need the Moon for many reasons: to use its resources of materials and energy to provide for our future needs in space and on Earth, to establish a second reservoir of human culture in the event of a terrestrial catastrophe, and to study and understand the universe. The next step in human exploration beyond low Earth orbit logically is to the Moon, our closest celestial neighbor in the Solar System. Declaring this, we note large gaps in our understanding and knowledge must be addressed before the Moon can fully serve the noble purposes we identify. Many nations are conducting or planning lunar missions (ESA?- SMART 1; Japan?- Lunar A, SELENE; China - Chang?e; and India?- Chandrayaan 1) that offer an opportunity for international cooperation fundamental for long-term public and private development and science. We strongly support the continued development of these missions. However, more knowledge is needed, requiring more complex capabilities than are now planned, including the first landings of spacecraft on the Moon since the Luna and Apollo programs of the 1960s and 1970s. During the International Lunar Conference 2003, we identified a number of main thrusts for an expanded lunar program: assessment and use of potential ice / water resources at the lunar poles for human use; development of energy resources for both Moon and Earth and establishment of lunar astrophysical observatories. We have concluded that, for the future development of the Moon, the deposits of hydrogen indicated by the USA Clementine and Lunar Prospector missions must be fully understood to confirm their nature and importance for future planetary exploration, development and human settlement.We recommend a sequence of technology, exploration and commercial missions on the road to this human Moon presence. We support the goals of a comprehensive series of missions including polar orbiters and landers, South Pole-Aitken Sample Return, Selene-B, Lunar Globe and Aurora lunar demonstrator. We advocate robotic engineering precursors for in-situ resource utilization and deployment of infrastructures preparing for human-tended operations.To encourage and stimulate the peaceful and progressive development of the Moon, we recommend that the international community of national space agencies, companies and individuals operate and maintain an exploratory mission at a pole of the Moon to serve as a catalyst for future human missions within a decade.Our vision is one of expanding humanity into space on an endless journey. We believe a human return to the Moon is the next step into the Solar System and the future of the human race. Aloha.The SignatoriesNiklolai Abrosimov, Marengo, RussiaJames R. Arnold, NASA Ames, USAChen K. Arth, USARuiz Bego?a, Colorado School of Mines, USAJim Benson, SpaceDev, USANarendra Bhandari, Physical Research Laboratory, IndiaBrad Blair, Colorado School of Mines, USAPer Bodin, Swedish Space Corporation, EuropeJames D. Burke, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (ret), USACharles Bohannan, Space Age Publishing Company, USABill Carswell, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, USAWanda Carswell, USADan Casale, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, USAMichael Cerney, Space Age Publishing Company, USARobert Cesarone, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, USAPatrick Collins, Azabu University, JapanJavier Diaz, Colorado School of Mines, USASteve Durst, Space Age Publishing Company, USASidra Durst, USAMegan Fisher, student, USABernard Foing, European Space Agency, EuropeErik Galimov, Vernadsky Institute of Technology, RussiaAlan Holt, NASA Johnson Space Center, USAViacheslav Ivashkin, Keldysh Institute, RussiaEva Jane Lark, BMO Nesbitt Burns, CanadaPaul D. Lowman, Jr., NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, USAHorst Uwe Keller, Max-Planck-Institut für Aeronomie, EuropeJonathan A. Kemp, USAKurt Klaus, Boeing, USATrygve Magelssen, University of North Dakota, USASteve R. Martin, Lockheed Martin, USAKohtaro Matsumoto, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JapanWendell Mendell, NASA Johnson Space Center, USADavid P. Miller, University of Oklahoma, USAGregory Nemitz, Orbdev, USAManny Pimenta, Space Frontier Foundation, USAJames Powell, Maglev 2000, USAGuiseppe Racca, European Space Agency, EuropeJesus Raygoza B., MexicoRobert Richards, Optech, CanadaCarol Rosin, Institute for Cooperation in Space, USAEligar Sadeh, University of North Dakota, USAChristian Sallaberger, MD Robotics, CanadaDavid Schrunk, Science of Laws Institute, USARobert Strong, West Liberty State College, USAPaul D. Spudis, John Hopkins University, USAYuki Takahashi, University of California Berkeley, USALawrence Taylor, University of Tennessee, USAChris Thomason, Space Age Publishing Company, USARoger Thomasson, USATing Ting Martin, USAPaul van Susante, Colorado School of Mines, USALeilehua Yuen, Hawaii Island Space Exploration Society, USATamani Yotsukura, Space Business Art, Japan4th International Conference on the Exploration and Utilisation of the MoonDeclarationSponsored by The International Lunar Exploration Working Group ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, July 14, 2000Over 150 people gathered at ESA's European Space Research and Technology Centre ESTEC in Noordwijk, The Netherlands, to discuss the prospects for lunar exploration, development and utilisation. We found that interest in these topics has been significantly advanced by recent discoveries made by lunar orbiting missions and will continue to advance as new missions to the Moon are implemented. The ESA SMART-1 and the Japanese Lunar-A and SELENE missions are under development and government and private organisations are proposing other lunar missions. In recognition of this re-emerging interest in the Moon, particularly among young people, the Conference attendees strongly support the formation of a Lunar Explorers' Society. This organisation, which was created today with intense participation from young explorers from around the World, will promote interest in science, technology development, new missions and better understanding of the role of the Moon in the future development of human civilisation.The space agencies of the world are urged to focus their efforts to promote both public and private initiatives for lunar exploration and development. Government efforts should focus on the creation of technologies needed for lunar development and the conduct of intensified scientific studies of the Moon, from the Moon and on the Moon. Government - Industry partnerships should address the development of the resources and infrastructure needed for long - term human activities on the Moon, and there are nearer - term commercial opportunities.The Earth and Moon have been linked from the time of their formation, over 4.5 billion years ago. The ancient record of events in our region of the solar system cannot be discerned on the Earth, which remains geologically active. On the Moon, much of the early history still is available to be deciphered and is the focus of much scientific interest. The advances in knowledge being made with data from the recent Clementine and Lunar Prospector missions allow many lunar problems to be reassessed, and new priorities have emerged for lunar scientific exploration. The geophysical characterisation of the interior and the return of samples from key locations are important near-future mission objectives, and opportunities for higher resolution chemical and mineralogical mapping from orbit should be pursued. The Moon is an ideal test bed for demonstration of technologies to be used in the exploration of Mercury, Mars, asteroids or moons of the outer planets. In addition, many exciting advances that lead to long - term human exploration, development and settlement of the Moon can be initiated now through robotic programs (that is robotic outposts). Robotic missions can conduct scientific investigations, investigate the lunar environment, develop and demonstrate key technologies, and begin to establish the infrastructure that is needed to support humans. Because the Moon is close to the Earth, and has a much smaller gravity field, lunar resources might one day be exportable for use elsewhere in space. Potentially, some products (solar energy, 3He for fusion reactors) may be profitably brought from space to Earth. Technology for accomplishing these possibilities should be investigated further. We urgently need conclusive data and knowledge about the physical, chemical and mineralogical composition of the lunar polar regions, which might contain supplies of hydrogen and water that could be useful for the near-term development of space. These should be developed in a considered, step-wise process, keeping in mind the potential for environmental impact on the Moon. The protection of the lunar environment is of high importance, but it now appears that localised resource exploration and utilisation can be conducted without global adverse effects.As plans for lunar exploration and development are prepared, attention must be given to the inclusion of people from the entire world, and especially the young, in this endeavour. The Moon has a special significance in many cultures and sensitivity to these cultural aspects must be balanced with economic and technological advancements. The youth especially should be encouraged, perhaps by the creation of national programs to support small lunar missions designed, developed and implemented by students.We believe that the Moon can be both a beacon and a focus for the next generation of space exploration, which will concentrate on bringing new and important benefits (resources, technologies, employment and education) to the people of all Nations on Earth.Development of human capability on the Moon will be the next major step in humanity's emergence into the universe. ................
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