LUNAR PENETRATOR PROGRAM - LUNAR-A

LUNAR-A is to be launched in 1997 for the investigation of the origin and the evolution of the Moon. Each of three penetrators bearded compr ises of the seismometer and the heat-flux-meter as the scientific inst rument, and the data recorder, transmitter, battery etc. as the common instrument. Following the basic research and study, the design of the PM(Proto-type Model) started in 1993 and the manufacturing of the FM( Flight Model) is on the way. And the assembly and check and the enviro nmental tests are going to be started in April, 1996. Under the strict mass budget and the financial condition, there have been tough negoti ations, coordinations and compromises on the way of the development. I n this paper, the outline of LUNAR-A and the progress of the developme nt is to be presented. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.