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European Space Agency Preparation for Human Lunar Exploration Scott Hovland European Space Agency, ESTEC, Directorate of Human Spaceflight, Microgravity and Exploration Programmes, European Space Agency, ESTEC, HME-HFH Keplerlaan 1 Postbus 299 2200 AG Noordwijk The Netherlands +31 71 565 4023, [email protected] Abstract. Within the European exploration programme Aurora, the Moon has been identified as a stepping stone on the way to human exploration of Mars. The renewed international attention on human and robotic lunar exploration represents an opportunity for Europe to build on its technological heritage and to take a strategic role in the overall international space exploration endeavour. In support of this, a range of activities are being conducted in Europe that address several key capabilities required for human exploration and that prepare for a European participation in a wider lunar exploration programme. The areas covered include in particular those fields in which Europe already has strong technological experience e.g. habitation and life support systems, crew aspects, transportation, power management and robotics. In addition to this, other generic technologies in which Europe might seek to take a strategic role in the future, e.g. In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) and fuel cell technology are addressed. This paper outlines the specific activities ESA is undertaking within the ESA Aurora Core Programme in order to prepare for future Human Lunar Exploration. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Obviously the work of many, many people, past and present, Government and Industry, has contributed to the current expertise of Europe within Human Spaceflight as well as the definition of the current European preparation programme for exploration; the Aurora Core Programme. REFERENCES n/a PRINCIPAL AUTHOR’S BIO (~50 WORDS) Head of the Human Systems Section in the Future Programmes Division, Directorate of Human Spaceflight, Microgravity and Exploration and responsible for defining new projects and elements dealing with human space exploration aspects of the Aurora programme. Holds a Master of Science in Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway and has worked at ESA within Human Spaceflight for close to 20 years. ILEWG 9th International Conference on Exploration and Utilization of the Moon, ICEUM9/ILC2007 .