ABOUT THIS SUPPLEMENTThe Global Exploration Roadmap (GER) is a
non-binding product of the participating agencies
in the International Space Exploration Coordination
Group (ISECG). The GER presents a sharedinternational vision for human and robotic space
exploration and is based on the coordinatedprogrammes, initiatives and goals of the ISECG
space agencies. This coordinated vision from the
ISECG agencies around the world recognises thatthe difficult and long-term challenges of exploration,
coupled with common objectives and goals, arebest addressed through cooperative ventures.
The GER reflects an exploration strategy that begins
with the International Space Station (ISS) andextends to the Moon, asteroids, Mars and otherdestinations. This strategy builds on a shared setof exploration goals and objectives and reflects
missions that will provide substantial benefits tothe citizens of Earth.
Since the release of the GER in January 2018 andsubsequent release of the 2020 Lunar Surface
Exploration Scenario Update (‘GER Supplement’),
many ISECG space agencies* have intensified andaccelerated lunar exploration plans. These rapidly
evolving exploration plans, coupled with several
new agency participants in the ISECG, necessitatedan update to the 2020 Lunar Supplement. This new
2022 GER Supplement refines lunar objectives,
updates mission plans and includes the newly
joined ISECG organisations (cf. Chapter 1) andupdates to agency lunar exploration plans (cf.
Chapter 2).
This 2022 GER Supplement also includes a refined
set of common objectives for a sustainable lunar
surface exploration campaign (cf. Chapter 3) andthe updated Lunar Surface Exploration Scenario(cf. Chapter 4) describes the architecture elements
and the exploration campaign that progressively
meet these lunar surface exploration objectives.
This Supplement also includes a new chapter(cf. Chapter 6) which characterises lunar scientificpriorities enabled by exploration initiatives.
This updated 2022 GER supplement and agency
specific objectives will be used to support
coordination efforts amongst space agencies by
providing context for establishing solid partnerships
and executing successful missions. As space
exploration is an inherently global endeavour,
partnerships of all types—amongst government
agencies, academia, public-private entities andwithin the private sector—are crucial and provide
the best ideas and solutions from around the globe.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
P. 2		EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

P. 6		
		

CHAPTER ONE
Growing Global Momentum

P. 13
CHAPTER TWO
		Major Updates in Lunar 				Exploration Plans
P. 20
CHAPTER THREE		
Lunar Surface Exploration
		Objectives
P. 24
CHAPTER FOUR		
Updated Lunar Surface 				Exploration Scenario
P. 29
CHAPTER FIVE
		Increasing Industry 					Capabilities

Image of ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer inside seven-windowed
Cupola of the International Space Station during Expedition 67.
Image Credit: ESA/DLR/NASA*“Space agencies” refers to governmentorganisations responsible for space activities.

P. 30
		
		

CHAPTER SIX
Scientific Priorities Enabled
by Exploration Initiatives

P. 35

APPENDIXEXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The 2018 Global Exploration Roadmap (GER)
reflects an exploration strategy that captured ashared vision from space agencies* participating in
the International Space Exploration Coordination
Group (ISECG) for international collaboration based
upon a common set of exploration goals, objectives
and identified benefits to humanity. Since then,many space agencies have renewed their focus
on the Moon, for its scientific opportunities andprospects for sustained human presence and todemonstrate capabilities that will prepare for human
missions to Mars. This renewed focus led ISECG
agencies to update the Lunar Surface Exploration
Scenario and capture the latest developments
in lunar exploration planning from around theglobe in the 2020 GER Supplement. The ISECG
membership has subsequently expanded while
agency plans have continued to advance sincethe 2020 GER Supplement release. This growth in
ISECG members and continued advancement ofagencies’ exploration plans reflects the increasingly
important role of spaceflight endeavours inproviding economic and societal benefits to people
on Earth through increased lunar investments
and expanded scientific and exploration goals.

In parallel, commercial space activities areachieving new capabilities for spaceflight leading
to economic conditions suitable for businesssustainability that have opened the spaceflight
frontier to new entrants and new government
strategies for science and human explorationof the solar system.
This 2022 updated GER Supplement describes thelatest mission scenario and architecture for humanand robotic lunar surface missions, preparatory
activities for Mars and scientific priorities for the
Moon. This Supplement also integrates renewed
and emerging national plans and commercial
capabilities among ISECG participating countries,
including international efforts to agree on a lunar
navigation and communication architecture.
Leveraging the ISECG goals and sustainability
principles (from the 2018 GER), a set of 12 lunar
exploration objectives was formulated with rationale
and performance measure targets defined and thenincorporated into one scenario with three phases:• Phase 1: Boots on the Moon
• Phase 2: Expanding and Building• Phase 3: Sustained Lunar Opportunities

Additionally, this Supplement captures theincreasing interest and associated mission
planning in lunar in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU),
communication and navigation systems, lunar
transportation, surface power and dust mitigation
technologies. These capabilities, combined withnew commercial payload delivery services, will
also benefit science and academic communities by
providing more frequent and lower-cost missions to
the Moon and, ultimately, Mars.

Updated Sept 14 2022

ISECG Mission Scenario – Lunar

2022

Innovative approaches
to enable more with 			available budgets.

Provide early andsustained opportunities
for diverse partners.

Human-robotic
Partnerships

G a te w a y

Meet exploration
objectives andgenerate publicbenefits.

Capability Evolution
and Interoperability

Artemis I(uncrewed)

Maximise synergies between
human and robotic missions.

The stepwise evolution 		of capabilities withstandard interfaces.

Luna 26

LUNAR SURFACE

VIPER

In te rn a tion a l/
C om m e rc ia l
T ra n sporta tion
S y ste m

2
2*“Space agencies” refers to governmentorganisations responsible for space activities.

Additional Crew &Small Cargo Missions

Chang’E-6

LUPEX

LEAP

CLPS

NASA
SLS &
Orion

GatewayOps

PPE-HALO
I-Hab
Artemis IV

HLS test

Chandrayaan-3

SLIM

Phase 2B

Increasing habitation
duration capabilities forMars analogues

Artemis II(First Crew)

H u m a n L a n d in g
Sy ste m

Robustness
Provide resilience
to technical and			
programmaticchallenges.

Phase 2A

PPE-HALO
launchArtemis III

Buildup overseries of flights

KPLO

Exploration Benefit

2030

2026
Phase 1

LUNAR ORBIT

Partnerships

Sustained exploration and presence on the lunar
surface are not the only goals for future planning;rather they are part of a collection of incremental
advancements, each adding to our combined
knowledge of the Moon and preparing for continued
exploration across the solar system, startingwith Mars. These activities are also a driver for
innovation and economic growth. Advancements
in technologies touching every aspect of everyday
life—health and medicine, public safety, consumer
goods, industrial productivity, transportationand many others—are a direct result of space
exploration. In the last several years, job creationand economic growth have been accelerated byprivate investments in the space sector.

Evolved lunar surface exploration and utilisation
scenarios reflect plans for a near-term series ofrobotic missions followed by humans returning
to the Moon in this decade. Rather than looking
at individual missions, the scenario depicts a
stepwise development of an increasingly capable
lunar transportation system to the lunar surface,traversing systems on the lunar surface, andinfrastructure supporting them that will enable
cooperative science and human exploration efforts
leading toward a sustained presence on the lunar
poles and incorporating lunar surface activities as

ISECG SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES
Affordability

analogues in preparation for human missions to
Mars. These efforts emphasise landed downmass
to eventually support four crewmembers per
mission and mobility systems that dramaticallyenhance science return and exploration distances
around a lunar pole base camp.

ISRU Demo

Luna 27

JAXA Mid Lander
Luna 28

Luna 25

Chang’E-7

Chang’E-8

Un pre ssu rise d
Rov e rP l a n e ta ry Rov e rs
Mobility & Habitation

Ru ssia n O re l
Crew
T ra n sporta tion
S y ste m

Figure 1. Updated ISECG Lunar Surface Exploration Scenario.

EL3

Additional Crew
and Cargo Missions
Korea Lunar LanderS u rf a c e H a b ita tio n
LEGEND

Human Mission with Cargo
Cargo Missions
Robotic Mission

3
3

ISECG AGENCIES WORLD MAP

45

CHAPTER ONEGROWING GLOBAL MOMENTUM
The steadily increasing number of ISECG agencies underscores the growing global interest and momentum
for going forward to the Moon and Mars. Since the 2018 GER release, the number of ISECG agencies has
increased from 15 to 27. Below is a summary of the new organisations along with the date they joined:

BRAZILIAN SPACE AGENCY (AUG. 2020)

AUSTRALIAN SPACE AGENCY (FEB. 2019)

The Brazilian Space Agency (Agência Espacial
Brasileira—AEB), a government agency
established in February 1994 with the purposeof promoting the development of space activities
of national interest, is responsible for theformulation, coordination, and implementationof the National Policy for the Development ofSpace Activities. AEB seeks to ensure that thedownstream market for space-based products
and services meets the needs of Braziliansociety. Additionally, AEB´s efforts are targetedat consolidating the Brazilian space industry,increasing its competitiveness and capacity forinnovation. The Agency views space cooperation
as a critical tool to leverage resources andreduce risks, favoring the joint developmentof technological and industrial projects thatgenerate valuable outcomes to both Brazil
and its international partners.

On 1 July 2018, the Australian Government
established the Australian Space Agency (ASA)
with the intent of transforming and growing a
globally respected space industry. Australia’s long
history of supporting space exploration dates backto the 1960’s, with the efforts of the existing ISECG
member Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation (CSIRO), and is now
increasing its ability to participate in global efforts
for the peaceful use of space. Australia has strong
capabilities in robotics and remote operations,artificial intelligence, space domain awareness,advanced communications, health, and remote
medicine. Australia is increasing its capacity andfacilities in areas including:

Advances in space science and the use of space
applications in everyday life inspire positive
developments in the formulation of improved
public policies and in the design of businessoriented space diplomacy that delivers sustainedprosperity to all. As the key body of the Brazilian
space ecosystem, AEB understands that becoming
a full ISECG member will grant the agency theopportunity to learn from top performers, build
on a widespread culture of collaboration andinnovation and take a more active part in theinternational space agenda. For more information
about AEB, visit https://www.aeb.gov.br.

6• Mission and robotics command andcontrol centres• Ground station networks• Space manufacturing and space data analytics• Introducing industry programmes to 		collaborate internationally and support 		global plans to reach the Moon andcontinue on to Mars
ASA looks forward to sharing ideas andcontributing to the international efforts to solve
the challenges related to achieving ISECG goals.
For more information about the Australian Civil
Space Strategy, visit https://www.industry.gov.au/
strategies-for-the-future/australian-space-agency.

MEXICAN SPACE AGENCY (OCT. 2020)
The Mexican Space Agency (AEM), a government
agency established in July 2010 by Congress
Decree with the purpose to use space andtechnology to meet the needs of the Mexican
population, promoting innovation anddevelopment of the space sector, contributing
to the competitiveness and positioning Mexicoin the international community within the peaceful,effective, and responsible use of outer space.
The AEM has a National Space Activities Program
2020-2024 (PNAE) focused on contributing to thesolution of the public problems and for this, theAEM promotes the Penta helix model: government,
society; academia, industry, and the environment,
constituting the propellers around sustainable
development. The priority objectives of the AEM
contained in the PNAE are the following:
1. Identify the perspectives and promote thedevelopment of space infrastructure fornavigation, global positioning, and its
applications.
2. Promote the development of a comprehensive
program of national scope for Earth observation
for the benefit of the population.
3. Increase capacities and promote cooperation inscience and technology in the country, in space
exploration for the scientific and technologicalstrengthening of Mexico.
As transversal: Development of human capital;
industrial, commercial and competitiveness in thespace sector; and international cooperation andspace security.
The Mexican Space Agency, in accordance with its
mission and work program, shares the principles
that support ISECG, and is interested in advancing
in full coordination and cooperation. Everything
indicates that space activity will be an importantdriver of economic activity in the remainder of the
21st century. Visit: https://www.gob.mx/cms/
uploads/attachment/file/585644/Programa_Nacional_
de_Actividades_Espaciales_2020-2024.pdf.

GEO-INFORMATICS AND SPACE TECHNOLOGYDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (THAILAND)(APR. 2020)
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology
Development Agency (GISTDA) was foundedin 2000. GISTDA’s primary objective has been
the development of geo-informatics and spacetechnology and these core functions are
divided into two segments: ground and space.
Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, GISTDA
has focused on developing Earth observation
satellite technology and applications and building
the professional capacity of Thailand andSoutheast Asia by investing in human capitaland training. Another critical element of GISTDA’s
mission is building and leveraging its domestic
space industry.
Recently, Thailand has broadened its focus toinclude space exploration. Under the umbrella ofEarth Space System, they announced the Ministryof Higher Education, Science, Research andInnovation initiative, which aims to increase space
exploration research and development within
Thailand. GISTDA is Thailand’s main space agency
and has officially launched its Space Exploration
Program which has the following focus areas:• Scientific research in low-Earth orbit, the Moonand beyond• Increasing space technology capacities of
exploration, scientific payload and instrument,
robotic rover, spaceflight and spaceport• Building awareness in the space exploration 		
sector• Supports Thailand to New Space Economy
GISTDA joined ISECG to help Thailand become acontributing member of the global space exploration
community and to assist in expanding the global
space economy. For more information about
GISTDA, visit https://www.gistda.or.th.

7

LUXEMBOURG SPACE AGENCY (SEPT. 2019)

NEW ZEALAND SPACE AGENCY (SEPT. 2021)

NORWEGIAN SPACE AGENCY (JAN. 2020)

POLISH SPACE AGENCY (NOV. 2018)

The Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) was
founded in 2018. LSA’s primary focus is to develop
the space sector in Luxembourg by creating new
and supporting existing companies, developing
human resources, facilitating access to funding
and supporting academic research. The agency
executes the National Space Economic
Development Strategy, manages national spaceresearch and development programmes andleads the SpaceResources.lu initiative. LSA also
represents Luxembourg within the European
Space Agency (ESA), which the country has
been a member of since 2005, and participatesin space-related programmes of the European
Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN).

Established in 2016, the New Zealand Space Agency(NZSA), part of the Ministry of Business, Innovationand Employment, is the front door for space activity
in New Zealand – the lead government agency forspace policy, regulation and sector development.
NZSA’s role is to enable the continued growth of
New Zealand’s space sector, while ensuring all
space activities are conducted safely, sustainably
and securely. NZSA achieves this through supporting
the development of innovative space technology
and a future-focused and flexible policy andregulatory regime.

The Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA) is agovernment agency under the Ministry ofTrade, Industry and Fisheries. The Agency
was established in 1987, when Norway becamea member of ESA. NOSA is responsible fororganizing Norwegian space activities, particularly
with respect to ESA and the EU, and for
coordinating national space activities. Space
activities have a large strategic value for Norway,
with its vast ocean areas and as one of the world’s
northernmost areas.

The Polish Space Agency (POLSA) was foundedin 2014 and joined the ISECG in 2018. POLSA isdeeply committed to the ISECG’s principles andprimary objective of shared cooperative international
space exploration. Poland has a rich history of
space discovery and exploration that has benefitted
humankind for centuries. POLSA’s priorities include:

The Luxembourg Space Agency is excited topartner with ISECG and is dedicated to aiding
efforts to advance global coordination in space
exploration. In 2020, LSA established theEuropean Space Resources Innovation Centre(ESRIC) in Luxembourg to contribute to thepeaceful exploration and sustainable utilisationof resources for the benefit of human kind. ESRIC
is conducting research in the field of spaceresources, hosts an open research infrastructureand develops technologies with industry for humanand robotic exploration as well as for a future inspace economy. ESA joined ESRIC in a strategic
partnership, and together with European academia
and industry, ESRIC and ESA are developing
technologies for a human presence at the Moon
sustained by local resources. For more information
about LSA, visit https://www.space-agency.lu.

8

New Zealand has a broad space sector withstrengths in a number of areas including launch,
manufacturing, and operations. Through enabling
collaborations between New Zealand’s space sector
and international space partners, NZSA seeks topromote the development of space technologies
and solutions that will benefit life on Earth, including
those that will contribute to our understanding of
the solar system. Recent collaborations between
the New Zealand space sector and international
partners including space agencies and commercial
space operators, will see innovations developed
to both support a sustained human presence inspace and to aid coordination of space missions
in cislunar space.

Norwegians have always been pioneers whenit comes to exploring the unknown and have along tradition for operating in harsh and remoteenvironments. With increased international focus
on space exploration comes new challenges,
leading to increased scientific and technologicalknowledge. NOSA sees this as a great opportunity
for innovation that could be useful both in spaceand on Earth, widening the scope for Norwegian
activities.

• National space sector enhancement• Robotic, sensor and lander mission• Advancing the use of space technology foreveryday life
For more information about POLSA, visit https://polsa.gov.pl/.

NOSA views their membership in ISECG as anopportunity to expand their perspective and workwith international entities towards mutual goals
for exploration. For more information NOSA, visit
https://www.romsenter.no/.

For more information about NZSA, visit https://www.
mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/space/.

9

VIETNAM NATIONAL SPACE CENTER(JAN. 2020)

PORTUGAL SPACE (DEC. 2020)
The Portuguese Space Agency, Portugal Space, isan organization created in 2019 by the Portuguese
government to implement the National Space
Strategy. The Agency’s primary purpose is topromote and strengthen the Space ecosystem
and value chain, for the benefit of society andeconomy in the Portugal and worldwide.
Portugal Space coordinates the Portuguese
participation in several international organisations
such the European Space Agency (ESA) andadvises the Portuguese government on thecontributions and subscriptions made to ESA.
Portugal Space also coordinates the Portuguese
participation in the European Southern Observatory(ESO), in the European Solar Telescope (EST)and in the recent SKAO (Square Kilometer Array
Organization) as a founding member. Portugal
Space is also the national representative for
Portugal to the European Commission for mattersrelated to Space, namely the European UnionSpace Program and Horizon Europe.
Concerning space exploration activities,
Portuguese entities participate in ESA missions
such as ExoMars and Mars Sample Return, theInternational Habitation Module (I-HAB) part of the
Lunar Gateway, the future European Large Logistic
Lander (EL3), the planetary defense mission HERA,
in the Columbus module at the ISS amongst
others. Furthermore, Portugal is participating in
the development, utilization and landing of Space
Rider, the future European orbital and reentry
platform to perform microgravity research in space.
Moreover, in the research field Portugal is in theprocess of commissioning ESTHER, the European
Shock-Tube for High Enthalpy Research, a worldclass facility to study reentry plasma physics.
Finally, Portugal is also home to space analoguesites, such as some caves in Selvagens Islands,
which have been used to perform microbial
life research.

ROMANIAN SPACE AGENCY (MAR. 2019)
Created in 1995, the Romanian Space Agency(ROSA) was born out of the Romanian Commission
for Space Activities (CRAS), which was establishedin 1968. ROSA is a self-funded public institution
and is coordinated by the Ministry of Education andResearch—National Authority for Scientific Researchand Innovation. ROSA acts as the financing agency
for the national research programmes on Space,
Aeronautics and Security; chairs the inter-agency
Security Research working group; serves as thenational coordinator for the Space Situational
Awareness (SSA) Programme; and is the Competent
Authority for the Galileo Public Regulated Service(PRS). ROSA is also the Romania representative inall international space organisations and coordinates
all of the nation’s space-related activities. Joining
the ISECG provides ROSA a new framework
and broader opportunities for cooperating andcollaborating with space agencies worldwide.
For more information about ROSA, visit http://
www2.rosa.ro/index.php/en/.

SWISS SPACE OFFICE (MAR. 2019)The Swiss Space Office is an integral part of theState Secretariat for Education, Research andInnovation (SERI) in the Federal Department of
Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER).
Its main responsibility is to prepare and implement
the Swiss Space Policy, primarily throughparticipation in ESA programmes.
The main focus of SSO in exploration is science,the development of space technologies andinternational collaboration. The development andutilisation of space infrastructures to the benefit
of society are a key element of the Swiss Space
Policy. Space exploration enables continuous
improvement in understanding humanity’s placein the universe. These endeavours simultaneously
deliver tangible results in science and technology,
which are directly applicable on Earth. For more
information about SSO, visit https://www.sbfi.
admin.ch/sbfi/en/ home/research-and-innovation/
space.html.

Established in 2011, the Vietnam National Space
Center (VNSC) is governed by the Vietnam
Academy of Science and Technology (VAST),
which administers and advances research anddevelopment and technology applications. VAST
is working with VNSC to increase Vietnam’s spacescience and technology capabilities with additional
investments in national training and infrastructure.
The VNSC is proud to be one of ISECG’s newest
agencies and is poised to cooperate, partner andcontribute as needed in order to serve the common
peaceful purpose of the ISECG.
VNSC’s primary focus is to facilitate international
cooperation and the agency has become an active
member of several international organisations
including the International Astronautical Federation(2012), Committee on Earth Observations (2013)
and Group on Earth Observations (2014). VNSC also
oversees the management and implementation of
the Vietnam Space Center Project—one of Vietnam’s
largest science and technology investments.
For more information about VNSC, visit https://vnsc.
org.vn/en/.

For more information about Portugal Space, visit
https://ptspace.pt/.

1011Canadarm3, Canada’s smart robotic system for the
Lunar Gateway. Image Credit: CSA, NASA

CHAPTER TWO

MAJOR UPDATES IN LUNAREXPLORATION PLANS
Over the past several years, ISECG agencies havemade significant updates to explorations plans, witha special emphasis on lunar missions and polar
volatiles. Most agencies have become increasinglyinterested and committed to exploring the Moon’s
polar regions and in implementing long-termsustainable exploration missions based oninternational cooperation and commercial
participation. These exploration plans include
strategies that follow the established spaceflight
practice where robotic missions come first and areprimarily driven by scientific and technology
demonstration objectives. These are followed bymore complex and capable robotics systems that
become extensions of human explorers. As thesehuman and robotic capabilities merge, they
are incorporated into the overarching mission
strategies, which will significantly enhance
exploration capabilities.

CREWED LUNAR EXPLORATION ANDSUPPORTING MISSIONSThe United States is undertaking a new lunar
exploration programme—Artemis—that soon
will enable human missions to the Moon and ina manner that is sustainable long-term and tests
the systems and operations necessary to prepare
for future human Mars missions. The National
Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s)
Artemis missions have a goal of enabling human
missions to the lunar surface as early as 2025 andtarget sustainable lunar exploration near the endof the decade. The first Artemis mission will launch
in 2022 (uncrewed full system test), followed by
Artemis II in 2024 (crewed mission in cislunar space)
and will culminate with Artemis III as early as 2025with a crewed mission to the lunar surface.
Following Artemis III, crewed missions with twocrewmembers will fly to the lunar surface annuallyand then increase to four crewmember missions
before the end of the decade. The Artemis missions
are enabled by international cooperation with the12European Space Agency (ESA), which is providing
the European Service Module (ESM) that powers
the Orion spacecraft. ESM1 has been integrated
with the Orion capsule for the Artemis I mission,
ESM2 has been delivered for Artemis II, and thedevelopments of ESM3 through ESM6 have started.
ESA and NASA expect to soon reach agreement on
ESA's provision of ESMs 7 through 9, contingent
upon approval by ESA ministers.
The Gateway is a vital element of international deep
space exploration plans. With key investments from
NASA, ESA, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA),
and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA), the Gateway will provide a next-generation
deep space platform from which to conduct not
only operations but also science investigations
outside the protection of the Earth’s Van Allenradiation belts. The international science community
has identified heliophysics, radiation, and space
weather as high-priority investigations to conduct
on the Gateway.
Since the GER’s release in 2018, the concept of thecislunar Gateway has matured to include a highoutput solar electric power and propulsion element(PPE) and a pressurised Habitation and Logistics
Outpost (HALO) that will be integrated for launchas early as 2024.
In addition to contributing to Gateway transportation
with ESMs, ESA is developing an enhanced
communication string to supplement the Gateway’s
lunar communication system (ESPRIT HALO-Lunar
Communication System), the International
Habitation Module (I-HAB), which will increase theGateway’s habitation capability and the number ofdocking ports, and a refueling system and viewing
capability (ESPRIT European Refueling Module) tocontribute to the sustainability of the Gateway.
In early 2019, Canada announced its plan todevelop and contribute an advanced, nextgeneration, artificial intelligence-enabled robotic
system for Gateway. The smart robotic system
will perform critical operations and support the13

deployment of science and technology experiments
at Gateway. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has
also initiated preparatory activities associated with
Gateway science and technology utilisation and,more recently, commenced the Lunar Surface
Exploration Initiative (LSEI) that focuses on
identifying major infrastructure investments Canada
could make to support sustainable human presenceon the lunar surface , and have Canadian astronauts
engaged in the exploration of the Moon. LSEI
contribution studies include capability areas ofargriculture and food, rovers and robotics, nuclear
power, communication and mining (remote sensing,surface prospecting and ISRU). Deep space
healthcare technologies are also under study
under a CSA initiative called Health Beyond.
In June 2020, Japan renewed the Basic Plan on
Space Policy, which states that Japan will support
the Artemis programme by contributing to the
Gateway through habitation technologies andlogistic capability, and aim to contribute to human
lunar surface missions by providing transportation
vehicles on the lunar surface, so that Japanese
astronauts can actively participate in Artemis
missions. The roadmap for the Basic Plan on
Space Policy renewed again in December 2021
clarifies the start of a full-fledged study on theprovision of a pressurised rover by the Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which could
provide an opportunity to leverage lunar surface
activities to simulate and refine plans for the firsthuman Mars surface mission.

The Gateway. Image Credit: NASA14

In early 2021, the Japanese government initiatedseveral technology development projects related to
lunar exploration such as communication andnavigation, construction, energy, food and robotics
within the framework of the “Stardust Program”
which is meant to accelerate research, development
and utilisation of space technology. Out of thesetechnologies identified as areas of development by
the Stardust Program, JAXA is developing key
technologies for lunar communication and navigation.

the Ukrainian Parliament, the State Space Agency
of Ukraine (SSAU) will provide contributions to the
Artemis missions, as well as to the European Moon
Village Association (MVA) initiative. SSAU is working
on four major lunar activities:

In June 2022 ESA released its new exploration
roadmap called Terrae Novae 2030+ (Latin for newworlds) with a vision covering low-Earth orbit, theMoon and Mars. The roadmap prepares Europe to
implement strategic autonomy in its lunar exploration
activities, at the same time strengthening international
partnership with the objective to have the first
European on the Moon surface by 2030. In particular,
the ESA focus is to contribute capabilities insupport of Moon exploration initiatives, including:

2. Developing a 6U CubeSat that will be in aselenocentric orbit and provide images of theMoon from several vantage points, allowing
terrain imaging and measuring spectral changes
on the lunar surface.

1. Lunar transportation for science, logistics
and infrastructure (European Large Logistics
Lander (EL3)),

1. Creating a power plant for the lunar base, which
will be powered by solar energy. The technology
for the power plant is based on innovativeelectrolysis technology and can be used to
produce rocket fuel in the lunar base environment.

3. Manufacturing a solar-thermoelectric generator
designed to produce renewable energy.
The generator will retain its functionality inthe absence of solar radiation due to absorbing
heat from the lunar surface.

2. Communications and navigation (Lunar
Pathfinder and Moonlight),

4. Developing a lunar lander-hopper, which will
provide transportation to the lunar surface of
scientific equipment with the capability to
relocate to a new site or multi-site deliveryof equipment.

3. Lunar surface science and technology
demonstration (including e.g. space resourcesand energy systems), andROBOTIC LUNAR EXPLORATION MISSIONS

4. Operations support for astronauts (such as
medical systems).
The development of EL3, a European autonomous,
multi-mission capability to deliver large (1.5-2
tonnes) science payloads, technology packages,
infrastructure and cargo for robotic and human lunar
surface activities, is the first step. The decision for
its implementation is expected late 2022, for alaunch of the first mission in 2030. In parallel, ESA
has partnered with industry on a high-data-rate
lunar communication commercial service startingwith the Lunar Pathfinder mission. Lunar Pathfinder
is a relay satellite planned to be operational in 2025,
also including a navigation in orbit demonstration(IOD) payload. It should be followed by thedevelopment of a more capable high-performance
lunar communication and navigation services
constellation (Moonlight) that will support sustainedrobotic and human activities on the surface.
Within the next five-year Ukrainian Space
Programme, which is under the consideration of

Many individual robotic missions aim to understandthe science and exploration value of the lunar
poles. This portfolio of missions forms a de-facto
international Polar Exploration Campaign beginningwith regional surveys (i.e., ground truth for ice,resources and local chemistry at diverse locations),
followed by site exploration and preparation oflocations identified as high priority. This campaign
will ultimately support international sustained lunar
surface activity. Robotic lunar missions that have
either flown or have been formally approved forfurther study and/or funded by space agencies
through 2031 (since publication of the 2018 GER)
are outlined in Table 2 of this updated Supplement.
The growing list of institutional missions(complemented by private-sector initiatives thatare not shown in Table 2) underscores that there
remains continued scientific interest and highlights
both the scale of this cooperative effort globallyand the human-robotic partnership required forsustainable lunar surface exploration.

China National Space Administration (CNSA)On December 17, 2020, the Chang’E-5 mission
successfully returned 1731g of lunar samples,
marking the successful implementation of “Orbiting,Landing and Return” three-step goals of China’s
lunar exploration. At present, the phase four of the
China Lunar Exploration Program is being carriedout, including Chang’E-4, Chang’E-6, Chang’E-7
and Chang’E-8 missions. The Chang’E-4 mission
achieved the first soft landing on the far side of theMoon on January 3, 2019, and deployed the Yutu-2
rover. The Chang’E-6 mission is scheduled tolaunch around 2024, which aims to collect samples
from the far side of the Moon. The Chang’E-7
mission, scheduled to launch around 2025, will
focus on investigation of water distribution in the
Moon’s polar region. The Chang’E-8 mission isscheduled to launch around 2028, carrying out
scientific exploration of the polar region andverifying key technologies for the construction of
the lunar research station. In the future, it is planned
to complete the construction of International Lunar
Research Station (ILRS) around 2035, in orderto carry out normalised scientific exploration,technological verification and utilisation oflunar resources.
Canadian Space Agency (CSA)The CSA has the on-going Lunar Exploration
Accelerator Program (LEAP), which supports lunar
technology development, in-space demonstration,and science missions. LEAP, in conjunction withinternational partners, plans to send payloads tothe lunar surface by 2026. These payloads will
include a lunar rover and other science or
technology demonstrations.
European Space Agency (ESA)
ESA is developing several surface science andtechnology demonstration payloads, including:• The PROSPECT instrument package for volatiles
investigations and a first ISRU experiment,
including a cryogenic drill and a sample analysis
system for ice and other polar volatile chemistry,
to be flown with the NASA CLPS programme in
the mid-decade.

• The Exosphere Mass Spectrometer(EMS) ), derived from an instrument in the
PROSPECTchemical laboratory, will fly on theNASA CLPS first Astrobotic Peregrine lander end

15

2022 to measure the lunar exosphere. It is alsoplanned to fly the instrument on the ISRO/JAXA
LUPEX mission.

At national level, ASI promotes Lunar Surface
Science, ISRU as well as in the study anddevelopment of innovative surface architectures.

• Autonomous technologies for precise navigation

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)and hazard detection are needed for future
planetary access, in particular for the European
Large Logistics Lander. A qualified navigation
camera will fly in the frame of the first ESA
commercially procured lunar landing service.
The data collected during flight will be used forground validation.

• A laser retroreflector allowing ranging from the
Earth to test relativity and measure the lunar
interior is planned for delivery by Intuitive Machines
through NASA’s CLPS programme in 2024.

• The Negative Ions at the Lunar Surface (NILS)
Payload on the Chinese Chang’E 6 mission willmeasure an important unknown spect of theenvironment at the lunar surface in 2024 (TBC).
Italian Space Agency (ASI)
ASI strongly supports Lunar exploration, inparticular the crewed initiatives through ESA, withseveral national companies working on ESMs andthe Gateway modules and having a deep interestin surface elements like ESA European Lunar
Lander EL3. Key technologies like communicationand navigation, as well as landing capability arepromoted for development. Also, ASI is currently
working in the design of a future Lunar Surface
Multi-Purpose Habitation (MPH) Module(s) to
support lunar surface exploration plans.
Concerning the robotic initiatives, on the occasionof the Artemis I mission Italy will launch and operate
the ArgoMoon 6U cubesat, the first national
spacecraft in Near Deep Space with the aim tocollect unique pictures of the SLS ICPS stage
and, furthermore, of the Moon surface.
In addition, the Lunar Global Navigation Satellite
System Receiver Experiment (LuGRE) will be
deployed and operated late 2023 on board of
the Firefly Blue Ghost Mission 1 (BGM1), landingin Moon’s Mare Crisium as part of the NASA
CLPS program.
Among the ESA contributions, Italy is a key player
in the PROSPECT instrument development, for thein-situ surface sample analyses.

16

ISRO launched Chandrayaan-2 on 22 July 2019with the goal of demonstrating an end-to-end
lunar mission capability, including insertion of anorbiter in lunar orbit, and soft landing and rovingon the lunar surface. The mission was originallydesigned to last one year. The orbiter, which
was equipped with eight advanced payload
instruments, was successfully inserted into
a 100 km orbit. The orbiter experiments arecontinuing to perform very well and are expected
to contribute much to lunar science at the end of
the now-extended mission of nearly seven years.
However, the mission was unable to soft land thelander and rover.
Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to theMoon for demonstrating landing and roving on
the lunar surface and is expected to be launchedin 2023. It consists of a lander and rover carrying
payloads to study thermo-physical properties,
plasma environment, seismicity and conduct
in-situ elemental composition measurementsin the vicinity of the landing site. The lander is
expected to land in the ‘unexplored’ southernhigh latitudes on the Moon and the mission life
is around 14 Earth days.
In addition, ISRO is now conducting a feasibility
study for a joint lunar polar exploration mission
with JAXA launching later this decade.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)JAXA continues to focus on developing lunar
surface capabilities using the Smart Lander for
Investigating Moon (SLIM) mission. SLIM will
demonstrate pinpoint landing technology andis planned for launch in 2022/2023. JAXA has
formulated a formal project team for the Lunar
Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission in cooperation
with ISRO, slated for launch in the 2024/2025
timeframe. The aim of this mission is to obtainknowledge of lunar water resources and to explore
the suitability of the lunar polar region for theestablishment of a lunar base. JAXA is working
towards sending small missions to lunar orbit in theearly 2020s in order to increase industry’s capability

Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX). Image Credit: JAXA

and maintain the science community’s interests.
JAXA is also working to develop small-sized andmedium-sized landers in the late 2020s and no
earlier than 2030 respectively, for technology
development and science missions, and also
for providing logistics support for human lunar
surface missions.
Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)KARI launched the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter(KPLO) – officially named ‘Danuri’ – in August 2022.
KPLO will make South Korea’s first step into lunar
exploration. After reaching the Moon, KPLO will
orbit the Moon at about 100km altitude for one year
carrying an array of instruments, including one
U.S.-built instrument called ‘Shawdowcam’, which
will acquire high-resolution images of PSRs. KPLO’s
main objectives are to develop and validate criticaltechnologies for lunar exploration, and to performscientific investigations and topographic mappingof the Moon for a future landing mission. KARI’ssecond lunar mission is a robotic lander and roverplanned for launch in 2031. The lander will be
developed to demonstrate the safe, precise, andsoft landing capability, and to deploy a rover thatwill carry instruments to observe the lunar dust andthe surrounding terrain. In addition, early-stage
development and verification of other surface
technologies (e.g. ISRU and RTG) will also be
carried out. Prior to the landing mission, a lunar
orbit insertion demonstrator will be launched by
the inaugural flight of the next generation of the
Korean Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV-III).

Danuri - Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO). Credit: KARI.

17

National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA)In September 2022, NASA released its Moon to
Mars Objectives as part of its effort is to develop
and document an objectives-based approach toits human deep space exploration efforts. These
objectives incorporate inputs gathered from U.S.
industry and academia as well as international
partner space agencies. The Commercial Lunar
Payload Services (CLPS) project was developed byNASA to procure delivery of payloads to the lunar
surface from commercial providers. There are
currently 14 companies on the CLPS contract, all ofwhom can compete when NASA releases a request
for a lunar surface delivery. Early commercialdelivery manifests will conduct science experiments,
test technologies, and demonstrate capabilities tohelp NASA explore the Moon and prepare forcrewed missions. Typically, these CLPS deliveries
have additional payloads from entities other thanNASA, e.g., universities, companies, other US
government agencies, and/orinternational space agencies.
As of Q2 2022, NASA has awarded seven contracts
for surface deliveries to both polar and non-polar
lunar locations beginning in 2022 (see Table 1).
The expected cadence for deliveries is approximately
two per year. NASA is utilising the CLPS capability
for one of these deliveries to land the Volatiles

Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) on
the lunar South Pole to investigate the location andconcentration of water ice in the region and takes
samples to inform future science and human
missions to the South Pole. VIPER is scheduled toland in the South Pole region of the Moon in late
2023. NASA is also preparing to initiate acquisitionof commercial lunar communication and navigation
services in 2022.

TABLE 2

NASA is making significant investments to maturetechnologies that support sustained science andexploration on the lunar surface across a rangeof Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), including
CLPS payloads. These technology areas include
advanced power; ISRU; materials, structures,
excavation and construction; advanced thermal;
dust mitigation; and autonomous systems androbotics. NASA also supports the Lunar
Surface Innovation Consortium which fosters
communication and collaboration among US
industry, academia and government.
Roscosmos
As of 2020, Roscosmos adjusted the timeline of its
Luna series of missions to explore the lunar poles.
These 2020 updates are as follows:• Luna-25 Lander Mission (Luna-Glob-Lander)scheduled for launch in the early 2020s.

Robotic lunar missions performed since the 2018 GER and future plans by ISECG agencies
MISSION

AGENCY/LAUNCH DATEDESCRIPTION/OBJECTIVES

Queqiao

CNSA 2018

Communication relay satellite.

Chang’E-4

CNSA 2018

Far side scientific lander and rover.

Chandrayaan-2

ISRO 2019

Polar scientific orbiter, lander, and rover.

Chang’E-5

CNSA 2020

Near side sample return.

Luna 25

Roscosmos TBD

Lunar volatile prospecting. Soft landing technology
demonstration.

Artemis I

NASA/ESA 2022

Uncrewed Orion/ESM flight with science and technology
payloads. Deployment of cubesats in lunar orbit.

KPLO (Danuri)

KARI 2022

Polar scientific and technology demonstration orbiter.

SLIM

JAXA 2022/2023

Pinpoint landing technology demonstration.

Chang’E-6

CNSA 2022-2024

Polar volatiles sample return.

Chandrayaan-3

ISRO 2023

Lunar polar lander and rover.

VIPER

NASA 2023

Lunar polar rover. Polar science and volatiles.

LUPEX

JAXA/ISRO 2024/2025

Polar lander and rover. Polar science and understanding
the distribution and characterization of volatiles.

Luna 26

Roscosmos 2024

Polar scientific orbiter. Polar volatiles mapping.

Luna 27

Roscosmos 2025

Polar science, volatile prospecting and acquisition. Drill
technology demonstration.

LEAP Lunar Rover Mission

CSA with NASA 2026

Polar rover incorporating Canadian and U.S. instruments
via a CLPS lander.

TABLE 1

• Luna-26 Orbital Mission (Luna-Resurs-Orbiter)scheduled for launch in 2024. This mission will
study the lunar surface from low polar orbit(approximately 50–100 km).

NASA’s contracts for surface deliveries to both polarand non-polar lunar locations beginning in 2022

• Luna-27 Landing Mission (or Luna-Resurs-Lander)scheduled for launch in 2025.

YEAR• Luna 28 (Luna Resource 2 or Luna-Grunt Rover)scheduled for launch in 2027. This is a cryogenic
polar volatiles sample return mission and is afollow-up mission for Luna 27 (also proposedby Roscosmos).

Luna 28

Roscosmos 2027

Cryogenic polar volatiles sample return.

ISRU demo

ESA 2027

In-situ end-to-end extraction of oxygen from lunar regolith.

Chang’E-7

CNSA 2023-2030

Prototype of International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).

Russian manufacturers and research institutes are
conducting Research and Development activities
on advanced methods and system design toprovide navigation and communication services
for lunar exploration users.

Chang’E-8

CNSA 2023-2030

Prototype of International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).

Small Lander

JAXA Late 2020s

Science and technology development.

EL3

ESA 2030

Multi-mission science and logistic capability.

Mid Lander

JAXA NET 2030

Transport logistics and/or science.

Lunar Lander Orbit Insertion Demo

KARI 2030

Launch vehicle capability demonstration.

Korea Lunar Lander

KARI 2031

Lunar lander and rover for scientific research andtechnology demonstration.

CLPS PROVIDERMANIFESTLOCATION

2022 Machines

TO2: Intuitive

Science/Technology

Oceanus
Procellarum2022 TO2: Astrobotic

Science/Technology

Lacus Mortis

2023 19C: Masten

Science/Technology

Haworth Crater/
S. Pole2023 Intuitive Machines Technology

PRIME-1:

Science/

S. Pole2023 20A: Astrobotic

VIPER

Nobile Crater/
S. PoleScience/Technology

Mare Crisium

CP-11:
Science/Intuitive Machines Technology

Reiner Gamma

19D: Firefly

2024 Aerospace
2024

18

19

CHAPTER THREE

LUNAR SURFACEEXPLORATION OBJECTIVES
Based on the ISECG Goals and Objectives andSustainability Principles, published in the 2018
GER, ISECG participating agencies developed aset of dedicated Lunar Surface Exploration Scenario
Objectives (see Table 3). This set of objectives isbased on the principle that human lunar surface
exploration should focus on preparing for humanMars missions and for sustainable activities on theMoon leveraging ISRU.
The Lunar Surface Exploration Scenario Objectives
in Table 3 are the drivers for the updated ISECG
Lunar Exploration Scenario. For each lunar surface
objective, there is a rationale that maps to one ormore higher-level ISECG goal(s) and corresponding
performance measure targets. These performancetargets can be achieved in a single mission or overa series of missions. These target(s) provide aNASA’s Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover,or VIPER, undergoes mobility testing using simulated
lunar regolith at the NASA Glenn Research Center.
Image Credit: NASA

guidepost for long-term goals but are flexible andwill evolve over time to support agency priorities.
The objectives in Table 3 are prioritised according
to how they are executed in the ISECG scenario.
The final five objectives will be executed throughout
the scenario. In addition, it is assumed each agency
will set their own priority objectives for their own
missions.
Several of the objectives necessitate a fixedlocation to support completion, such as longduration habitation and ISRU, whereas otherobjectives require diverse locations on the Moonand long-range mobility. These competing
objectives led ISECG members to adopt an
approach where initial capabilities are continuallyleveraged while additional capabilities are added.

Concept design of a pressurised rover. Image Credit: JAXA/Toyota

2021TABLE 3

Demonstrate crew
health and performancesustainability to live andwork on the lunar surface
for a sufficient duration
to validate Mars surface
missions.

Lunar Surface Exploration Scenario Objectives

Expand Human
Presence into the
Solar System

UnderstandOur Placein the Universe

Engagethe Public

Stimulate
Economic
Prosperity

OBJECTIVERATIONALE

Demonstrate humanlanding/ascent capability
and establish regularaccess to and from thelunar surface.

To mitigate the risk for future human Mars exploration andfor future government activities and commercial markets on
lunar surface, global lunar access is desired. Number of crew
should be as many as possible considering the nature ofinternational programme, but within the realistic constraintsof crew transportation capability planned by governments andenvisioned commercial missions.

Establish a cadence of at least
3 4-crew missions in a 5-year
periodDemonstrate a range ofcargo delivery capabilities
on the lunar surface forlarge surface elements andlogistics.

To mitigate the risk for future human Mars exploration and for
future government activities and commercial markets on lunar
surface, global lunar access and as much cargo capability
as possible is desired. Cargo capacity performance measure
range is driven by: 1) Mass of crew consumables necessaryfor 4 crew for 30 days will be around 2 tons; and 2) current
human ascent module is estimated to be at least 9 ton.

>9 t for large surface elements>1 t for logistics

Demonstrate Extra Vehicular
Activity (EVA) capabilities on
the lunar surface.

To mitigate the risk for future human Mars missions andsustainable lunar exploration and for commercial activities on
the lunar surface.

Reusable EVA systems withminimal maintenance including
on-site dust management/
mitigation and sciencesampling/curation techniques.

Demonstrate human longrange traversing capabilityon the lunar surface.

To mitigate the risk for future human Mars exploration and for
future government activities and commercial markets on lunar
surface. Mobility capability design life of 10,000 km is the totalround trip distance to explore and traverse the five crew sites
indicated in the 2018 GER. Traverses to anywhere on the lunar
surface are dependent on lunar night survival (up to 14 days).

10,000 km (cumulative)

Demonstrate reliabilityof human long duration
habitation capability andoperational procedures on
the lunar surface.

To mitigate the risk for future human Mars explorationand for future government activities and commercial
markets on lunar surface. Systems need to be capableof environmental extremes (e.g. temperature, radiation,pressure). Demonstration of human long duration habitation
and reliability can be achieved over a series of crewed anduncrewed missions, yielding the confidence for long-duration
missions on the Moon and Mars. Astronaut operations need to
be implemented and checked in different operative scenarios.

500 days (cumulative)

ISECG
GOAL

FosterInternational
Cooperation

Missions with 30-60 days oflunar surface time, increasing
microgravity durations, andapproximately 10 subjects foreach mission duration:
Research Missions with ≈ 90days pre-surface microgravity;
Risk Reduction Missions
with ≈ 180 days pre-surface
microgravity; andMars Validation with 360 days
pre-surface in microgravity
and 270 days post-surface inmicrogravity.

PERFORMANCEMEASURE TARGET*Performance measure targets reflect long-term
objectives and can be achieved in a single mission orover a series of missions across several decades.

22

To understand the human health effects of low gravity anddeep space environment for long duration missions on theMoon and notional Mars crewed surface mission. A numberof integrated missions of increasing durations are expected toaddress the ability to understand crew health and performanceof long duration exposure in the deep space environment.

Demonstrate in-situ resource
production and utilisation
capability sufficient for crewtransportation between lunar
surface and Gateway andlunar surface utilisation needs.

To expedite sustainability for future human Moon and Mars
exploration and to identify future commercial markets on
lunar surface.

Produce 50 t propellant
per year.

Conduct effective global
human/robotic cooperative
exploration to performground breaking science.

To accomplish lunar objectives specified in the ISECG
Science White Paper, “Scientific Opportunities Enabled By
Human Exploration Beyond Low-Earth Orbit” as well as lunar
objectives identified by ISECG agencies.

Comprehensive evaluationneeded to determine valueof science.

Develop infrastructure (e.g.
power and communication
systems) with highavailability necessary toachieve the objectives
for sustained explorationand continuous humanpresence.

To demonstrate and establish infrastructure capabilities including
a certain level of power and navigation and communication
systems for achieving objectives such as long duration habitation,
ISRU, diverse science and public engagement. Commercial
activities rely on infrastructure to stimulate economic growth.
Availability will be determined for each system, where availability
is the probability that a system will be functional when required,including the necessary spares and associated crew time formaintenance to support those systems.

Power: 300 kW of power
Generation, Communications:
1 Gbps for global lunar
coverage with Earth-Moondata rates. Additional
Systems TBD.

Engage the public in generaland the youth in particularwith human/robotic lunar
surface exploration bybringing the action to large
audiences, making fulluse of the state-of-the-art
technology and through new
ways of communication.

To inspire new generations, increase awareness of therelevance of space, recognise the importance of different
perspectives and domains of knowledge present in different
scientific endeavours. Also public participation is necessary
in the long run to ensure sustainability of such plans (civic
engagement/empowerment).

On national level as feasible,
measuring positive public
attitude towards lunar surface
exploration through surveys,
website hits, social media
impact, etc.

Implement new commercial
arrangements that stimulate
economic prosperity, foster
commercial opportunities,
and increase resiliency with
dissimilar redundancy.

To achieve commercially-led sustainable (i.e. market-driven
economy with diminishing reliance on governments) economic
activities on the Moon, new commercial arrangements
are essential. ISS and other exploration endeavours havedemonstrated an increased economic robustness with
dissimilar redundancy.

Increasing number ofcommercial partners or
stakeholders providing lunar
services year-after-year.

Provide a large number ofcollaboration opportunities
for international partners
to contribute to the lunar
surface scenario.

To encourage global participation in the lunar surface scenario,
inclusive of a range of contributions from science to hardware.

More than 100 nations’participation to lunar surface
scenario.

23

CHAPTER FOUR

Since the publication of the lunar surface
exploration scenario in the 2020 GER supplement,
ISECG’s lunar surface exploration operation
concept has been further studied and documented.
The objectives of this exercise were to identify
necessary elements and additional elements ifneeded to realise the operation scenario in the GER
and also to derive the functional allocation to eachelement by going through the operational steps ofthe operation concept. Additionally, by investigating
major operational contingency cases, several
additional functions were found for further
consideration (e.g. unpressurised rover roles
during pressurized rover exploration).

Because scenarios for Phase 2B and Phase 3 arenot yet well defined in the GER and given that thehuman return to the Moon (Phase 1) is being led by
NASA, ISECG focused the studies of the operation
concept on Phase 2A. The Phase 2A is further
divided into sub-phases such as phase 2A-a to
2A-d as below and as shown in the figure on page
25 to facilitate the operation concept study.

The updated Lunar Surface Exploration Scenario
describes a phased approach to implementing
infrastructure and exploration on the lunar surface
to meet the goals and objectives defined by ISECG.
The updated scenario starts with Phase 1, Boots on
the Moon, where space agencies focus on sending
humans to the Moon along with robotic exploration
missions to support this goal and the later phases.
Phase 2 follows, Lunar Exploration—Expanding andBuilding, emphasises the completion of the
proposed lunar surface objectives by diversly
exploring the lunar surface diversely and ultimately
identifying the most beneficial site for longer
durations. The initial focus is on achieving lunar
surface exploration objectives pertaining to humanlanding and ascent, logistic cargo landers, andlong-range traverses. The later focus is toward lunar
surface exploration objectives pertaining
to long duration habitation, crew health andperformance, and in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU).
Phase 3, Sustained Lunar Opportunities, envisages
laying the foundation for a sustained and vibrantlunar presence in the coming decades throughpartnerships with international governments,
academia and industry. During this phase,governments would shift their investment focus
to further expand the exploration frontier, includingMars exploration missions.

the first mission and off the pole for the following
missions

24• Mission 2A-a: One Pressurised Rover (PR) at

Phase 2A
Exploration and Mobility

Phase 2B

Mars Forward, Habitation,and ISRU

Lunar Orbit

Mission Sequence

Increasing habitation duration capabilities for Mars analogues

Gateway
Lunar
Relay

Luna 26

Chang’E-7
Luna 27

Lunar Surface

LUNAR SURFACE EXPLORATIONOPERATION CONCEPT

Phase 1
Boots on the Moon

Science
Payloads

Unpressurised
Rover
Astronauts& EVA SuitsLEAPISRU Demo

Increasing communication and navigation capabilities

JAXA
MediumCargo
Lander

EL3 Chang’E-8

JAXA Luna 28
Small
Logistics
LanderPower
Element(2-4)

Two crew, 6.5
surface duration

(2-4)

(4)

(4)

Utility Rover

ISRU: Demonstrators/Small-scale Production

SPR delivery
Two to Four crew,
30 daysurface mission

Two to Four crew,
30 day surface
missionthe South Pole

Remains at South Pole Region

Small Pressurised
Rover - Enhanced

Power element
Four crew, 30 day
surface mission

ISRU Pilot Plant
delivery
Four crew, 30 day
surface mission(4)
ISRU Pilot
Plant

2035+:
Additional
elements for
Phase 2B
FissionPower

Remains at South Pole Region

Habitation
Small
Pressurised
Rover

ISRU: Prospecting & Demonstration In Lunar Environment
Return to the Moon:
Two crew land –6.5 day surface
duration

KARI Lunar
LanderLong Duration
Habitation
ISRU(4) Plant(4)
Remains at South Pole Region

Enhanced rovers for
14 day eclipse
Four crew, 42 day
surface mission

Four crew, 42 day
surface mission

Four crew, 42 day
surface mission

Schrödinger
Basin

Antoniadi

South Pole
Aitken Basin
Interior

South Pole Region• Mission 2A-b: One PR & Fixed Surface Habitat(FSH) at the South Pole

Phase2A-a• Mission 2A-c: Two PRs at the South Pole forPhase2A-b

Phase2A-c

Mission Phases Summary• Mission 2A-d: Uncrewed Mission (not shownin the chart)
The current operational concept is reliant on several
choices available in the operational approach.
Since the surface architecture elements are in an
early phase of definition, many of these choices
are driven by uncertainties in the element design.
Major trade themes, options, current approachassumptions, and the pros and cons associatedwith each option were examined and identified
for further discussion. Trade themes and selected
approaches are summarized in Table 4.
To illustrate a typical operation concept in Phase 2,
additional details in the operation concepts for thePhase 2A-b are described below:
During the Phase 2A-b, one PR with one Lunar
Terrain Vehicle (LTV) and FSH are present for the
lunar surface exploration. The LTV will be used
for contingency return if the PR has failed or isimmobile. Two of the crew will stay in the PR andthe other two crewmembers will stay in the FSH.
In the middle of the mission duration, the crew willswitch the habitation locations. The HLS will not be
used for primary habitation while the crew are on
the surface.

TABLE 4
Operational Trades for ISECG Concept Scenarios
TRADE THEME

SELECTED APPROACH

Level of cooperation between the human exploration architecture and robotic precursors

Coordination

EVA support mode of the crewed surface elements (HLS, PR, FSH)

HLS: Cabin Depress or Airlock
FSH: Airlock
PR: Ingress/Egress systems

Mode of unloading of the medium cargo lander

Mechanical Aid

Crew interaction with medium cargo lander

Crew Access to deck

Communication relay service coverage

All locations

Habitation function distribution

HLS: Only for transfer
FSH: Yes
PR: Yes

Dedicated Power Plant

Not required

Operational interface between ISRU Pilot Plant and Power plant

Only power plant to ISRU pilot plant

Envisioned EVA frequency

FSH: Few & Long
PR: Many & Short25

Artistic impression of the European Lunar Logistics Landers (EL3)integrated in a Artemis human surface exploration scenario. The EL3
lander has delivered a combination of cargo items, scientific payloads
and small robotic assets (rovers). An Artemis crew is unloading the lander
assisted by a robotic arm and preparing lunar surface exploration activities.
Image credit: ESA

The crew will be launched on SLS/Orion from the
Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. Upon thearrival to the Gateway, the crew will transfer to the
HLS. After the completion of the checkout of the
HLS, the HLS will depart the Gateway and descend
to lunar surface. The operation concepts following
the HLS landing are illustrated in the figure below
with the itemized steps described in Table 5.
In addition, ISECG’s international architecture
working group identified numerous lunar surface
contingency cases which drive architecturaldesign, element functionality and operational
implementation. Examples include loss of PR poweror life support capabilities, crew incapacitation
during EVA and mechanical failures in mobility
systems leading to immobile rovers. Other
considerations in addressing contingency cases
include element capabilities for remote operations(i.e. local control by crew or off-surface controlof surface assets). All of these considerations will
undergo further analysis of element designs andconcept development1.

around the Moon is heavily dependent on a lunar
communications and navigation capability capableof providing orbiting and surface assets with arobust and reliable method of exchanging commandand science data as well as providing position,navigation and timing (PNT) capabilities aroundthe lunar surface. Fortunately, the Interagency
Operations Advisory Group (IOAG) is studying anappropriate interoperable lunar communications
and navigation architecture standards based on
today’s identified lunar PNT requirements aswell as integrating anticipated future capabilities
by telecommunications operators aroundthe world. The IOAG has assembled a Lunar
Communications and Navigation Working Groupto address the diversity of planned lunar exploration

More details of the contingency case study
results can be found in the IAC paper, “IAC21-A5-1-5 Lunar Surface Concept Of Operations
for the Global Exploration Roadmap Lunar Surface
Exploration Scenario.”
1

Operation Concept – Overview -Finally, ISECG understands that a successful,long-term space exploration initiative on and
Gateway1

Note: Black letter indicates common operation.

Crew A20
4, 10-15
3

HLS

Landing
18
Area

FSH

15

2

Exploration
Sites

9

17

18
3&4

16

16

8

5
2

19

0
Safe & Sun lit
Zone

16

17

5
6

Pressurised
Rover (PR)

0

9

12&13
11

Lunar Terrain
Vehicle (LTV)

Exploration
Sites

15
7

Crew B

Medium-classcargo lander

Sunlit area

14
10 Exploration
Sites

Overview of Operation Concept of Phase 2A-b; see Table 5.
1

26

27

TABLE 5

CHAPTER FIVE

INCREASING INDUSTRY CAPABILITIESOperation Steps and Description
SCENE

DAY

OPERATION DESCRIPTION

0

-

1

-

HLS lands to the landing site. Crew acclimate to 1/6G for three days.

2

1

PR/LTV approaches to HLS. (ground operation)

3

1

Crew A with EVA suit egress the HLS and ingress PR

Crew B with EVA suit egress HLS, and drive on LTV to andingress FSH.

4

1

Crew A recharge PR/LTV power system by their solar array.

Crew B check out the FSH.

5

2

Crew A drive the PR to Cargo Lander.

Crew B with EVA suit drive on LTV to Cargo Lander.

6

2

Crew A with EVA suit retrieve logistic cargo from the Cargo
Lander into PR.

Crew B with EVA suit retrieve logistic cargo from the Cargo
Lander onto LTV.

72

Crew A drive PR to FSH.

Crew B with EVA suit drive LTV to FSH.

82

Crew A transfer the logistics cargo into FSH.

Crew B transfer the logistics cargo into FSH.

93

Crew A drive the PR(LTV operated from ground) to exploration
Crew B with EVA suit explore the site by walk around FSH
area#1.

10

3

Crew A with EVA suit egress, explore area#1, and ingress PR.

Crew B with EVA suit explore the site by walk around FSH

11

3

Crew A drive PR (LTV operated from ground)to sun lit area.

Crew B with EVA suit explore the site by walk around FSH

12

3

Crew A recharge PR/LTV power system by their solar array.

Crew B ingress into FSH.

Medium class cargo lander lands with logistic cargo.
PR/LTV traverse to safe and sun lit zone near the HLS landing point and recharge batteries. (ground operation)

Crew A conduct science investigation, public engagement and Crew B conduct science investigation, public engagement
exercise in PR.
and exercise in FSH.
Repeat operations 9 to 13 at different exploration area, having
Repeat operations 9 to 13 having rest days.
rest days.

13

4

14

5-14

15

15-16 Joint Handover between Crew A and Crew B.

16

17-30 Crew A perform operation 9 to 13 repeatedly at FSH.

Crew B perform operation 9 to 13 repeatedly on PR.

Over the past decade, ambitions and capabilities to
explore space and transport humans, robots andcargo to low-Earth orbit and beyond, and providing
communication and navigation capabilities for theMoon, Mars and beyond have increased significantly.
In the past, these capabilities were only achievablethrough the resources and support of governments.
Now missions are rapidly transitioning from being
the exclusive purview of large agency development
programmes to include more non-government
actors using a services-based model or having
entire missions executed by private companies
around the world. While governments will continue
to invest in key space technologies, projects andmissions to explore Low Earth Orbit and beyond,
ISECG agencies expect to leverage emerging
capabilities for use in planning future spaceflightscience and exploration activities. Leveraging these

new capabilities will lower overall costs, sharerisks, foster innovation and benefit their countries
by providing them access to new economies andtechnologies.
Some space agencies have responded to theseincreasingly successful private-sector capabilities
with novel spaceflight acquisition approaches thatboth achieve the agency goals and provide privatecompanies with opportunities to reduce risk whilerefining their economic operations systems andbroadening their customer range. ISECG agencies
welcome and support these new partnerships forboth the benefits provided to the domestic
economies as well as their contributions toachieving international space exploration goals.
To this purpose, a new working group was recently
created with a focus on commercialisation
experiences within ISECG community.

CSA’s Juno rover operating at nightand simulating soil sampling in lunar
permanently shadowed regions.
Image Credit: CSA

Crew A prepare for departure including trash packing into PLC Crew B drive PR to near the HLS and prepare for departureand disposal.
including trash packing into PLC and disposal.
Crew A with EVA suit egress FSH, drive on LTV, and ingress
Crew B with EVA suit egress PR and ingress HLS.
HLS.

17

31

18

32

19

32

PR/LTV drive back to safe zone. (ground operation)

20

32

HLS ascends and docks to the Gateway.

21-

PR/LTV explore other sites.

Additional Figures reflecting further details in the concepts for Phases 1, 2A, 2B and the 2B end state, along withexpectations for achieving objectives across the Phases, can be found in the supplement Appendix.

missions needs. The goal is to ensure aninteroperable capability as well as cross–support
from the 12 international members and observers of
the IOAG2.
As lunar communication and navigation standards
mature and become accepted and as plans forlaunching these capabilities across the international
space exploration agencies and commercial entities
advance, future ISECG exploration concepts will

28

incorporate communications and PNT information
to further enhance opportunities for partnerships
and cooperative endeavors.

Additional information on the IOAG and thecurrent state of LCNWG efforts can be foundat www.ioag.org.
229

CHAPTER SIXSCIENTIFIC PRIORITIES ENABLED
BY EXPLORATION INITIATIVES
WHY WE EXPLORE(FROM A SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE)
Robotic and human crewed missions have opened
new horizons and advanced our understanding of
who we are, where we come from, and where weare going. From examining planetary origins andprocesses to searching for signs of life, we
continue to unravel the fundamental mysteries
that surround us.
Scientific investigations characterising the spaceenvironment and discovering how the physicaland life sciences react in that environment are
crucial to establishing a sustained human presenceon other planetary bodies and in deep space.
These investigations stem from major scientificquestions such as: What new materials andtechnologies will we need for us to go where we’ve
never gone? What local resources can we identify
and utilise? What can we learn once we get there?
And perhaps most importantly, how can theseadventures help us advance our greater well-being
as a species back here on Earth? Ultimately,
learning about our planetary neighbours allows us
to learn more about our own home; by exploringother planets, we are really exploring the Earth.

HOW DOES LUNAR EXPLORATION HELP OUR
UNDERSTANDING OF THE EARTH, MOON, SOLARSYSTEM, AND UNIVERSE?
Past exploration of the Moon by robotic and human
missions has revealed that the lunar surface isancient, due to a lack of tectonic activity andaeolian/fluvial processes that occur on Earth erasing
the history of the earliest epoch after its formation.
In that sense, the Moon serves as an unaltered
record of the history of Earth and, by extension,
the entire solar system. The lunar terrains are
geologically and geochemically very diverse, mainly
due to intense impact gardening throughout its
existence. Remote sensing of the lunar surface
indicates that previously unsampled unique rock30

The cresent Earth rises above thelunar horizon in this photograph takenfrom the Apollo 17 spacecraft in lunar
orbit during NASA’s final lunar landing
mission in the Apollo program.
Image Credit: NASAtypes exist only on the Moon, and a dedicatedglobal sampling campaign would expand ourunderstanding of the volcanic, magmatic andthermal history of the Moon and other differentiatedplanetary bodies. It is, therefore, of great scientificvalue to visit and characterize not only areas on theequatorial near side of the Moon, as sampled during
the Apollo and Luna era, but also on the far side
and at the polar regions.
One of the most important investigations is thedetermination of the absolute ages of lunar samples
retrieved from the different regions of the Moon.
Returning and ageing such samples from a broader
range of global sites will also contribute to a better
understanding of the ages of areas on other solar
system bodies. Similarly, the detailed in-situ
analysis of structural and morphological properties
over the entire range of crater sizes will bettercharacterize the impact processes and their effects,
allowing us to apply such constraints to otherbodies of the solar system that are currently notaccessible by robotic or human exploration missions.
The Moon’s regolith could also harbour informationof the materials that comprised the early Earth, inthe form of comets and asteroids that impacted theMoon at the same time as the Earth, as well as
meteorites that were transferred between the Earthand Moon during their earliest period of formation.
Such meteorites could reveal information about
the conditions on the early Earth at the time ofthe origin of life. In that sense, lunar explorationis additionally of astrobiological significance.
Furthermore, palaeoregoliths (ancient regolith) havepotentially preserved other records including solar
activity, galactic cosmic ray flux etc. to expand ourunderstanding of the Sun and solar system history
during its evolution.
Volatiles, and particularly water, have been delivered
to the lunar surface with cometary and asteroidal
impactors, and these volatiles have likely become
entrained within the extremely cold, Permanently
Shadowed Regions (PSR) at the lunar poles.

Samples gathered from these regions would allow
for compositional characterization of volatiles,
resulting in provision of clues to the compositionsof the earliest volatiles in the solar system andallowing for the assessment of their usefulness as
resources for future human exploration missions,
including permanent bases and mobile assets,
as indicated in the GER.

BROAD SCIENCE GOALS FOR THE MOON
The science goals achievable on the Moon will not
only yield new and valuable information about ourclosest celestial neighbor but it will also provide
broader context to aid in defining goals for further
exploration of our solar system with both robotic
and human systems. Thus, while the following set

31

capability must be developed for detailed laboratory
analyses. In situ excavation processes under low
gravity are vital to performing collection as wellas validating and improving modelling capabilities.
Volatile extraction, mineral beneficiation and the
reduction of minerals with thermochemical orelectrochemical processes to extract gases(such as oxygen) and metals is required fora better understanding of the available resources
and thus to enable a future extraction and use.
Understanding regolith behaviour and its potential
to become nuisance dust during human and robotic
interaction is important for planning and hazard
mitigation.
The CSIRO ISRU Facility provides dedicated enclosures andinstrumentation for investigating properties of high-quality
lunar simulant and exploring dust interaction. © CSIRO

of science goals are defined by the near-term global
goals of lunar exploration, they are also extensible
to nearly every other planetary body. There are fiveareas within the lunar community’s science goals(Table 6).

SCIENCE ENABLING SUSTAINABILITY
To achieve the goals of sustainable exploration,
fundamental knowledge of the Moon gained
through dedicated science investigations willassist in decision making, planning, mass
allocations, and surface operations.
Remote sensing, mapping, characterisation of lunar
surface and subsurface composition, texture andgeotechnical conditions across varied terrains andillumination settings including PSRs are criticalareas of knowledge that will inform architecture
design and will lead to utilization of various resource
reservoirs. Surface and shallow sub-surface
processes including regolith processing, electrostatic
environment variation, and volatile (ice) accumulationand compaction will define the reservoir concentration
and accessibility of resources. Passive seismic datacollection, analysis and interpretation will determine
the Moon’s geological profile and structure in
greater detail, enabling mineral targeting and hazard
awareness and providing fundamental informationon the Moon’s interior. Crater slope rock-mass
characterisation and seismic monitoring will better
define the potential slope hazards in and aroundcraters. Sample selection, capture, and return

32

Iterative experiments for understanding andplanning for human health and performanceresearch equipment is needed. This will build
upon understanding of exposure and measurementof biological sensitivity to the integrated lunar
environment to define exposure limits and informmitigation developments.

COOPERATIVE SCIENCE MISSIONS
Efforts within the international science communities
to investigate opportunities for cooperative lunar
science would aid and enhance the developmentof sustained collaborative and synergistic activities

TABLE 6
Lunar Community Science Goals
AREA

DETAILS

1. Explore the origin and evolutionof the solar system.

a. The Moon retains the bombardment history of the inner solar system and informs early solar systemformation and dynamics.
b. Volcanic processes over billions of years preserved on the Moon can inform planetary evolution andinterior composition of a differentiated planetary body.
c. The lunar poles host cold traps, or PSRs, that entrain lunar volatiles sourced from the lunar interior,
implanted by the solar wind, or delivered to the surface via primitive material left over from the solar
system’s formation.
d. Sample return may yield new insights into how the Moon and the Earth are chemically linked, helping
to constrain Earth-Moon formation models and test formation hypotheses.
e. Geophysical investigations of the deep and shallow structure and composition of the interior will leadto data and new theories on planetary formation, evolution and the current state of the Moon.

2. Define processes that shapeplanetary bodies.

a. Lunar crustal rocks and regolith are preserved and inform impact processes on both a macro andmicro scale.
b. Space weathering effects on airless, anhydrous bodies are investigated at the lunar surface dueto the lack of atmosphere.
c. Investigations into space plasma physics and electrodynamical interactions with regolith/dust.

3. Use the Moon as a platform
for novel and uniquemeasurements.

a. Unique solar observations and measurements can be acquired on and around the Moon, including
solar coronal imaging, solar x-ray and gamma-ray spectroscopy, radio imaging of physical processes
in the inner heliosphere, magnetospheric imaging, and in-situ plasma and solar wind measurements.
b. Dark Ages observations and other cosmological studies of the early Universe are enabled by utilising
the radio-quiet far side of the Moon.
c. Observations of climate change and Earth as a life-bearing exoplanet are enabled from the lunar
surface through full-disk Earth viewing.

4. Characterisation of the Moon’s
environment and resources
to enable more efficient andsustainable exploration of oursolar system.

a. Scientific knowledge of lunar resource reservoirs and their associated sinks/sources will allow for amore complete understanding of the Moon’s evolution and environment as well as the quantity andaccessibility of those resources for ISRU considerations.
b. Additional resources available for sustainable exploration include illumination/lighting at the poles,
lava tubes that may be a resource for habitation or protection, etc.
c. Research into the physical and chemical processes underlying ISRU

5. Utilise the Moon as a testbed for a. Exposure and measurement of biological (varied complexity of non-metabolic and metabolic samples)life sciences investigations thatsensitivity and responses to the integrated lunar surface environment, optimized by combination of inenable human exploration.
situ and return sample analyses.
b. Optimisation of countermeasures against the debilitating effects of deep space and reduced gravity
environments.
c. The Moon retains the impact history of the Earth-Moon system as well as reservoirs of primordialorganic material delivered by comets/asteroids that may inform important astrobiological questions
such as: Where did the Earth get the building blocks of life? What was the role of impacts and mass
extinctions in the evolution of life?

Using advanced augmented reality technologies to provide realtime ConOps for ISRU mission simulation and demonstration –all in a safe and collaborative environment. © CSIRO

33

with agency plans, broader science communities
and other interested parties and stakeholders.
Potential cooperative science activities could include:• A distributed global geophysical (and geodesy)
network (e.g., seismometers, heat flow probes,
magnetometers, laser ranging retroreflectors)• A global network of lunar weather andenvironment monitoring stations• An astronomical lunar observatory on the lunar
farside (e.g., radio interferometric array)• Research station for in-situ biological andgeological sample analyses and fundamental
physics experiments• Polar volatile prospecting and mapping campaign(e.g., extensive mobile explorationand characterization)• Data transfer infrastructure
Such activities are optimised through human-robotic
partnerships, with an integrated system oftechnologies and operational capabilities supportingcrew scientific operations. Initial implementation
could be through modular contributions fromdifferent agencies, which could be responsibly
expanded upon over time for sustained research.

that will minimise environmental impacts prior to,during and post-space missions will help support
a sustainable future for the industry and its
scientific findings.
Mutual trust between community and spaceresearch and delivery industry partners will help
space-based automation and remote operations
that reduce physical environmental footprints, andcould improve the same on Earth. Circular economy
thinking and zero waste/waste avoidance throughwhole-of-mission and life-cycle analysis assessments
will inform value chain integration, as well as low
impact enrichment and excavation technologies.
Not only will exploration of our Moon enhance ourunderstanding of the Universe and our place within
it, but it provides a source of inspiration, outreachand education for the next generation of scientists,
engineers, and explorers through the achievements
and advances that can be made at our nearest
celestial neighbour.
The science community looks forward to theresurgence of planned agency and commercial
lunar missions and remains optimistic about the
expanding research opportunities described here
and the exciting discoveries that await future
robotic and human explorers.

APPENDIX

LIST OF ACRONYMS

AEB

Brazilian Space Agency

KPLO

Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter

AEM

Mexican Space Agency

LCNS

ASA

Australian Space Agency

Lunar Communication and Navigation
Services

ASI

Italian Space Agency

LEAP

Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program

CLPS

Commercial Lunar Payload Services

LEO

Low-Earth Orbit

CLTV

Cislunar Transfer Vehicle

CNES

National Centre for Space Studies

LSA

Luxembourg Space Agency

CNSA

China National Space Administration

LUPEX

Lunar Polar Exploration

CRAS

Commission for Space Activities

NASA

National Aeronautics and Space
Administration

CSA

Canadian Space Agency

NOSA

Norwegian Space Agency

CSIRO

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation

NRHO

Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit

DLR

German Aerospace Center

NZSA

New Zealand Space Agency

EAER

Federal Department of Economic Affairs,
Education and Research

POLSA

Polish Space Agency

PPE

Power and Propulsion Element

PRS

Public Regulated Service

PTS

Portugal SpaceROSA

Romanian Space Agency

Roscosmos

Roscosmos State Corporation for Space
Activities

EL3

European Large Logistics Lander

ESA

European Space Agency

RESPONSIBLE EXPLORATION

ESM

European Service Module

Mission activities shall be carried out withextreme care to assure long term preservationand sustainability of the lunar environment(e.g. disturbance of the lunar exosphere, light
pollution and interference of the radio-quiet farside,volatile contamination and other compositional/
bio-contamination) which can disrupt future science
investigations. Thus, characterization, and ultimately
protection, of these tenuous environments prior toirreversible modification attributed to exploration
activities should be prioritised and factored as partof responsible exploration.

EU

European Union

EVA

Extra-Vehicular Activity

GER

Global Exploration Roadmap

SERI

State Secretariat for Education, Research andInnovation

GISTDA

Geo-Informatics and Space Technology
Development Agency

SLSSpace Launch System

GNSS

Global Navigation Satellite System

SSA

Space Situational Awareness

HALO

Habitation and Logistics Outpost

SSAU

State Space Agency of Ukraine

HTV-X

Next-Generation H-2 Transfer Vehicle

SSO

Swiss Space Office

I-HABInternational Habitation Module

TRL

Technology Readiness LevelILRSInternational Lunar Research Station

UAESA

United Arab Emirates Space Agency

ISRO

Indian Space Research Organisation

United Kingdom Space Agency

ISRU

In-Situ Resource Utilisation

UK Space
AgencyISECGInternational Space Exploration Coordination
Group

VAST

Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology

VIPER

Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover

JAXA

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

VNSC

Vietnam National Space Center

KARI

Korea Aerospace Research Institute

Planetary protection is interwoven throughout
space mission research and development activities.
The impacts and activities of space missions bothon Earth and in space are the subject of community
scrutiny. In response to crucial environmental andcommunity concerns, science and technologies

34

CSIRO ISRU team demonstrating its autonomous rovercapabilities in a sealed lunar dust testbed environment withan intern student to inspire the next generation of spaceresearchers. © CSIRO

35

Figure 1. Updated ISECG Lunar Surface Exploration Scenario.

36
Figure 2. Phase 1: Boots on the Moon—South Pole.

37

Luna 26

In te rn a tion a l/
C om m e rc ia l
T ra n sporta tion
S y ste m

NASA
SLS &
Orion

SLIM
Luna 25

LUPEX

VIPER
LEAP

Chang’E-7

Mobility & Habitation

Chang’E-8

JAXA Mid Lander

Gateway
Ops

Phase 2A

P l a n e ta ry Rov e rs

Un pre ssu rise d
Rov e rLuna 28

ISRU Demo

PPE-HALO
I-Hab
Artemis IV

2026

Ru ssia n O re l
Crew
T ra n sporta tion
S y ste m

Luna 27

HLS test

Artemis II(First Crew)

Chandrayaan-3
Chang’E-6

Phase 1

PPE-HALO
launchArtemis III

H u m a n L a n d in g
Sy ste m
CLPS

KPLO

Artemis I(uncrewed)

G a te w a y

Buildup overseries of flights

LUNAR SURFACELUNAR ORBIT2022

ISECG Mission Scenario – Lunar

Updated Sept 14 2022

EL3

Phase 2B

Robotic Mission

Cargo Missions

Human Mission with Cargo

LEGENDS u rf a c e H a b ita tio n

Korea Lunar Lander

Additional Crew
and Cargo Missions

Additional Crew &Small Cargo Missions

Increasing habitation
duration capabilities forMars analogues

2030

Figure 3. Phase 2A-2B: Lunar Exploration—Expanding and Building.
Lunar Orbit
Lunar Surface

38
Figure 4. Expanding and Building—Longer Duration and Increased Utilisation (Phase 2B End State).

39

LEAP

ISRU Demo

Return to the Moon:
Two crew land –6.5 day surface
duration
Two crew, 6.5
surface duration

Phase2A-a

SPR delivery
Two to Four crew,
30 daysurface mission

(2-4)

Power
Element(4)(4)

Small Pressurised
Rover - Enhanced

ISRU Pilot Plant
delivery
Four crew, 30 day
surface mission

Phase2A-b

South Pole Region

Power element
Four crew, 30 day
surface mission

ISRU: Demonstrators/Small-scale Production

Utility Rover(2-4)

KARI Lunar
LanderPhase 2A
Exploration and Mobility

Habitation
Small
Pressurised
Rover

EL3 Chang’E-8

Two to Four crew,
30 day surface
mission

JAXA
MediumCargo
LanderJAXA Luna 28
Small
Logistics
LanderChang’E-7

Lunar
Relay

ISRU: Prospecting & Demonstration In Lunar Environment

Science
Payloads

Luna 27

Gateway

Unpressurised
Rover
Astronauts& EVA Suits

Luna 26

Mission Sequence

Phase 1
Boots on the Moon

Mission Phases

Antoniadi

Four crew, 42 day
surface mission

Phase2A-c

Schrödinger
Basin

(4)
Remains at South Pole Region
Enhanced rovers for
14 day eclipse
Four crew, 42 day
surface mission

ISRU Pilot
Plant

(4)

Remains at South Pole Region

Remains at South Pole Region

FissionPower

2035+:
Additional
elements for
Phase 2B

South Pole
Aitken Basin
Interior

Four crew, 42 day
surface mission

Long Duration
Habitation
ISRU(4) Plant

Increasing communication and navigation capabilities

Increasing habitation duration capabilities for Mars analogues

Phase 2B

Mars Forward, Habitation,and ISRU

Figure 5. Overview of Operation Concept of Phase 2A-b.

40
Figure 5. Objectives Progression across Phases.

41

0

20

19

2

Safe & Sun lit
Zone

2

3&4

Pressurised
Rover (PR)Landing
18
Area

HLS

1

5

18
5

15

4, 10-15

Lunar Terrain
Vehicle (LTV)

3

Gateway

7

6

8

17

FSH

9

Medium-classcargo lander

0

17

16

Operation Concept – Overview -

9

15

11

16

16

Sites

Sunlit area

10 Exploration

14

12&13

Exploration
Sites

Crew A

Exploration
Sites

Crew B

Note: Black letter indicates common operation.

1

ISECG is a voluntary, non-binding coordination forum of 27 space agencies. ISECG participating
agencies operate in accordance with the key principles set forth in the Global Exploration Strategy—
which are open and inclusive, flexible and evolutionary—and is meant to foster mutually beneficial
partnerships.
ISECG is committed to fostering the discussions in non-binding forums and to develop products thatenable its members to take concrete steps towards establishing partnerships that reflect a globally
coordinated exploration effort and enhance the benefits of space exploration for all.
For more information on ISECG activities and how to join, visit the ISECG public website,
https://www.globalspaceexploration.org

Publishing services provided by:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Headquarters
Washington, DC 20546-0001
www.nasa.gov

NP-2022-09-3075-HQ

42This document is available online at
http://www.globalspaceexploration.org