Lunar exploration -- potential UK and NASA collaboration

The British National Space Centre [BNSC] and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA ] have today [15th February 2008] issued a report from the Joint Working Group(JWG) on lunar exploration that outlines next steps in possible U.K.-U.S. space exploration cooperation.

A key area of cooperation under consideration is a mission to understand the Moon’s structure, listen for ‘Moonquakes’ and trial the lunar cell-phone network of the future.

The JWG report identified two potential elements of collaboration:

• the implementation of a UK led robotic lunar mission, such as the Moon Lightweight Interior and Telecoms Experiment (MoonLITE) mission;

• the development of science instruments and technology needed for mid-term robotic and human exploration activities.
  
  

Commenting on the report Professor Keith Mason, CEO Science and Technology Facilities Council and Chairman of the UK Space Board [BNSC governing body], said,’ This joint report represents a milestone in our cooperation with NASA whilst building upon our longstanding collaboration in such highly successful science missions as Swift, Stereo, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Cassini. The proposed missions provide an opportunity to harness the UK’s world-class expertise in small satellite, communication and robotic technologies focused on exploration of the Moon.”