抄録
The mission objectives of the Lunar Polar Orbiter (LPO) are to acquire the geographical and elemental composition database of the entire lunar surface. Two types of the LPO systems have been studied. One is the 2-ton-class remote sensing satellite referred as the “Mapping Mission”. The other is the combination of the 1.5-ton-class Landing Probe referred as “Imaging Orbiter and Landing Probe Mission”. Mapping Mission employs the high resolution Lunar Mapping Imager (LMI), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Laser Altimeter (L-ALT). Imaging Orbiter and Landing Probe Mission employs the LMI, conventional RF Radar Altimeter and ground truth sensors. X-ray and Gamma-ray spectrometers are common sensors to the both missions. Each LPO can be designed by best utilizing the up-to-date earth observation satellite technology without any major technical challenges. As for the Landing Probe, Navigation and Guidance, Descent Engine, Landing Radar and Landing Gear are the key technology which require the further research effort. The LPO is tentatively planned to be launched in FY1997 by H-II rocket.
