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Future Missions and Deep Space Exploration

ISAS is also considering a wide variety of proposals for missions to be launched early in the next century. Currently under study are the Nereus asteroid sample return project, the SOCCER comet sample return mission, and Venus exploration programs employing planetary orbiters and atmospheric balloon probes.

Japan's larger space agency, NASDA, is developing plans to conduct its very first deep space missions, some in conjunction with ISAS. With the help of NASDA's much larger H-II launch vehicle, more sophisticated missions can be attempted. A series of lunar missions, beginning with a lunar orbiter and progressing to lunar rovers and sample return missions, has been recommended. Particular interest has been generated in the possibility of extracting Helium-3 from the lunar surface. Even more grandiose, manned lunar bases are under study by both government and industry. A Mercury sample return mission and an automated Martian rover are also being considered (References 149-156).

149. C. Covault, "Japan Readies First Moon Mission Launch As Companies Seek Lunar Base Role", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 8 January 1990, pp. 20-21.

150. A. Lawler, "Japan Plans Lunar Base Study", Space News, 27 August - 2 September 1990, pp. 3, 21.

151. "Japanese To Seek Funds To Study Lunar Helium-3", Space News, 19-25 July 1993, p.15.

152. "Japan Plans To Launch Helium 3 Lunar Mining Effort in 1995, Space FAX Daily, 24 January 1994, p.1.

153. Kyodo News Service, 14 June 1994 and 28 May 1995.

154. A. Lawler and S. Mansfield, "Japan Adds Moon to Agendas, Space News, 18-24 July 1994, pp. 1, 28.

155. S. Mansfield, "Japanese Officials Plan Lunar Mission Series", Space News, 5-11 June 1995, p. 4.

156. Space Project, Shimizu Corporation, undated. See also separate Space Project brochure Lunar Base Concept.

Sources and Resources

• Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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