Journal of Astronautics ›› 2023, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (9): 1280-1290.doi: 10.3873/j.issn.1000-1328.2023.09.002

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Scientific Objectives and Suggestions on Landing Site Selection of Manned Lunar Exploration Engineering

NIU Ran1(), ZHANG Guang1(), MU Lingli1, LIN Yangting2, LIU Jianzhong3, BO Zheng1, DAI Wei1, ZHANG Peng1()   

  1. 1. Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100094, China
    2. Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
    3. Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
  • Received:2023-05-02 Revised:2023-07-21 Online:2023-09-15 Published:2023-09-15

Abstract:

Focusing on cutting-edge scientific issues related to lunar exploration and applications, 9 overarching goals and 38 specific objectives for manned lunar exploration program have been proposed, leveraging China’s technical capabilities in manned spaceflight and lunar exploration, as well as its expertise in lunar and planetary science, the objectives center on scientific research, lunar-based scientific research, and resource exploration and utilization. Based on these scientific goals and trends in domestic and international manned lunar exploration landing site selection, basic principles and processes for selecting landing sites have been established. Thirty prime landing sites have been identified, and relevant factors considered in the further selection of landing sites are given, taking into account scientific value and engineering implementation conditions. These scientific objectives and landing site selection recommendations will serve as important guidance and top-level input for the design and implementation of manned lunar exploration program.

Key words: Manned lunar landing, Lunar exploration, Scientific objectives, Landing site selection

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