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Lunar Investigations

ISAS has two major solar system exploration projects under development for 1997-1998 launches: Lunar-A and Planet-B. Both spacecraft will take advantage of the new, greater capacity M-5 launch vehicle to be introduced in 1996 or 1997. The Lunar-A mission profile (Figure 5.21) envisions both a mapping lunar orbiter and small penetrators for seismic and thermal studies of the Moon. The orbiter will deploy three probes to the Moon over a one month period in 1998 after launch in 1997. The 0.12 m diameter by 0.80 m instrumented spikes will impact the lunar surface (two on the nearside and one on the farside) at about 300 m/s and will return heat loss information and seismic data on moonquakes in an attempt to determine the core state of the Moon, which has puzzled researchers for decades. The 2.2 m diameter by 2 m high, 500-kg orbiter will then assume a low altitude lunar mapping and data relay orbit, probably with a CCD camera. Imagery detail may be about 20 m. The data from both studies should aid in mission definition and planning for future manned lunar visits and/or bases. Lunar A will draw on the experience in lunar transfer orbits and subsatellite deployment gained withthe Hiten/Hagomoro mission (References 138-142).

138. D. Burnham, "Japan Approves New Moon Mission - Probes to Study Lunar Surface", Spaceflight, July 1991, p. 225.

139. "Japan's ISAS Pursues 'Independent' Agenda", Aerospace America, July 1993, p. 13.

140. The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science. 1993, op. cit., p. 16.

141. D. Burnham, "Return to the Moon?", Spaceflight, November 1991, pp. 370-376.

142. A. Lawler, "Japan's Lunar-A Will Be First Moon Landing Since 1972., Space News, 24-30 October 1994, p.18.

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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