Technology Roadmap for Chang'E Program

Abstract

The moon is the nearest celestial body of the earth. Because of its unique spatial position and broad prospects of scientific exploration, it has become the preferred objective and consecutive option of human space exploration and resource utilization. In this paper, at first the development and accomplishments of the world's major space powers on lunar exploration are retrospected, and their future development plans are summarized. Then the development idea and technology roadmaps for the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program are introduced in details. Finally future development direction of Chinese lunar exploration is analyzed and a concept of robotic lunar science station mission before 2030 is proposed.

Keywords

lunar exploration / technology roadmap / Chang'E program / robot / lunar science station