An Overview of Recent Lunar Robotic Science and Exploration Mission Studies at JPL Leon Alkalai, Manager Lunar Robotic Exploration Office Jet Propulsion Laboratory Leon.alkalai@jpl..gov

Abstract. Over the past several years, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory has been actively studying several lunar science and exploration robotic mission concepts through various stages of development. These include a lunar sample return from the South Pole-Aitken Basin mission called ‘Moonrise’ (Phase A study completed); a high resolution global lunar Gravity Recovery And Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission concept (Phase A study completed); small and medium size lunar landers for lunar outpost site selection and for network science applications (pre-Phase A studies); secondary payload lunar impactors in search of volatiles in the lunar cold traps (pre-Phase A study) and other exciting mission concepts. This presentation will describe the high level mission parameters of the referenced mission concepts and how they address the current science and exploration objectives at NASA. The presentation will also identify future opportunities for international collaboration on future mission concepts of international interest.

LEON ALKALAI (BIO)

Dr. Leon Alkalai leads the JPL Office of Lunar Robotic Exploration. Over the past several years, Dr. Alkalai has been the Proposal Manager for the following lunar robotic science and explorations proposed missions: Moonlight, Moonrise, RLEP Robotic Lander, Lunar Impactor, and GRAIL. Dr. Alkalai is a member of NASA’s Lunar Architecture Team (LAT) and an active member of the lunar robotic community. He currently leads an international IAA study called “Hitch-hiking to the .” Dr. Alkalai has been at JPL since 1989 where he has held various research and development, and management positions.

ILEWG 9th International Conference on Exploration and Utilization of the Moon, ICEUM9/ILC2007