Weekend Edition
Fri-Mon / 20-23 Nov 2020

Artemis Coalition And International Lunar Efforts Show Steady Progression

SLS Rocket, Central To Achieving USA Space Policy Directive 1 / Human Moon Landings, To Conduct Fueled Rehearsal Test Of Core Stage NET 7 Dec, Hot Fire NET 21 Dec; NASA Expanding CLPS Program, Releasing RFP For Payloads And Research Investigations On The Surface Of The Moon (PRISM), Lunar Science Slated For Late 2023 / Early 2024 Delivery; Zhongguo / China To Attempt First Lunar Sample Return In 44+ Years On 23 Nov (21:00 UTC); ESA Ground Stations Providing Support For Chang’e-5 Month-Long Mission Also To Assist In Artemis Series

 

Credits: NASA, ESA, CNSA

Weekend Edition
Fri-Mon / 9-12 Oct 2020

China (Zhongguo) Set To Conduct First Lunar Sample Return Of The Modern Era

Wenchang SLC On Hainan Island Is Center Of Preparatory Activity For 24 Nov Chang’e-5 Launch: Testing, Assembly, LM-5 Launch Vehicle Integration; Built By CAST For CNSA, Chang’e-5 23-Day Mission Comprised Of Orbiter, Lander, Ascender And Returner; 2 Kilograms Of Regolith To Be Collected By Lander Via Robotic Drill / Scoop Near Dense Mons Rümker Volcanic Structures, Within Oceanus Procellarum; 4-Spacecraft Mission Begins Phase 3 Of China Lunar Exploration Program, And Signals Level Of Technical Sophistication Necessary For Future Crewed Lunar Missions / Deep Space Exploration

Credits: CNSA, CAST, China Daily

Friday / 9 Oct 2020

European Space Agency Selects 5 Lunar Cave Study Proposals For Advancement

Collaborative ESA Initiative Open Space Innovation Platform Has Narrowed Contestants From  September RFP To Become SysNova Studies, From Which ESA Will Formulate Mission To Explore Cave Structures / Lava Tubes Under Moon Surface, Determining Habitability Prospects; Plans Include Lowering Of Spherical LIDAR Probe (University Of Würzburg), Tethering A Small Rover (German Research Center For Artificial Intelligence), Utilizing A Swarm Of Hopping Probes (University Of Manchester), Deployment Of Gravimeter-Equipped Rover Around Depressions (Canadensys Aerospace Corp) And Suspension Of Wireless Power Charging Via Crane Into Exploration Site (University Of Oviedo)

Credits: ESA, Canadensys, DFKI, University of Manchester