A robotic moon landing specifically requires an autonomous and optical navigation system to carry out the landing smoothly and precisely, plus a complex propulsion system. The first phase of the study is scheduled to start in June and should last nine months. During the second phase, the trial carrier will be used to test key technologies as well as the system designed to carry out the soft and precise landings. Engine-supported descents from an altitude of 1.5 kilometres will be performed during the planned trial flights and sensors for carrying out the soft landings, including navigation and obstacle avoidance, will also be tested. The trial runs will be conducted at a testing area in Germany, with the exact location being determined during the course of the study. The program makes a significant contribution to positioning Germany as a systems leader for future European moon landing missions. The first trial flights of the demonstrator could take place as early as 2012 and represent a vital step in the development of European moon landing capabilities.
Satnews Daily
June 8th, 2009
Germans Going For A Moon Landing, Fueled By Astrium
Astrium has been commissioned by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) to conduct a study for the testing of future moon landings.
The aim is to prove the technological feasibility of a soft and precise robotic landing on the moon. Astrium has been selected due to the company's technical expertise, with a strong foundation to design and implement such a mission. The study will last nine months and be worth nearly 1 million euros. It will conclude when the technical specifications for the landing vehicle have been determined. The next step will be the development, construction and testing of the vehicle to simulate a moon landing on Earth.
A robotic moon landing specifically requires an autonomous and optical navigation system to carry out the landing smoothly and precisely, plus a complex propulsion system. The first phase of the study is scheduled to start in June and should last nine months. During the second phase, the trial carrier will be used to test key technologies as well as the system designed to carry out the soft and precise landings. Engine-supported descents from an altitude of 1.5 kilometres will be performed during the planned trial flights and sensors for carrying out the soft landings, including navigation and obstacle avoidance, will also be tested. The trial runs will be conducted at a testing area in Germany, with the exact location being determined during the course of the study. The program makes a significant contribution to positioning Germany as a systems leader for future European moon landing missions. The first trial flights of the demonstrator could take place as early as 2012 and represent a vital step in the development of European moon landing capabilities.
A robotic moon landing specifically requires an autonomous and optical navigation system to carry out the landing smoothly and precisely, plus a complex propulsion system. The first phase of the study is scheduled to start in June and should last nine months. During the second phase, the trial carrier will be used to test key technologies as well as the system designed to carry out the soft and precise landings. Engine-supported descents from an altitude of 1.5 kilometres will be performed during the planned trial flights and sensors for carrying out the soft landings, including navigation and obstacle avoidance, will also be tested. The trial runs will be conducted at a testing area in Germany, with the exact location being determined during the course of the study. The program makes a significant contribution to positioning Germany as a systems leader for future European moon landing missions. The first trial flights of the demonstrator could take place as early as 2012 and represent a vital step in the development of European moon landing capabilities.