QUOTE
DLR, OHB Studying Lunar Concepts
The German Aerospace Center, DLR, and space-hardware manufacturer OHB-System AG of Bremen, Germany, are dividing the 500,000 euro ($640,000) cost of a 10-month study contract for a future lunar exploration program called Mona Lisa, OHB-System announced.
Under the Mona Lisa contract it received from DLR, OHB will design possible lunar exploration scenarios in which German industry would play a major role. The goal is to be prepared for a sizable German contribution if a European or international lunar exploration program takes shape.
The European Space Agency, through its Aurora Core Program, also is investigating lunar exploration scenarios and is expected to issue study contracts late in 2006. A decision on a lunar exploration program is expected in 2008. European scientists are divided over whether the Moon or Mars should be the focus of their exploration effort.
The German Aerospace Center, DLR, and space-hardware manufacturer OHB-System AG of Bremen, Germany, are dividing the 500,000 euro ($640,000) cost of a 10-month study contract for a future lunar exploration program called Mona Lisa, OHB-System announced.
Under the Mona Lisa contract it received from DLR, OHB will design possible lunar exploration scenarios in which German industry would play a major role. The goal is to be prepared for a sizable German contribution if a European or international lunar exploration program takes shape.
The European Space Agency, through its Aurora Core Program, also is investigating lunar exploration scenarios and is expected to issue study contracts late in 2006. A decision on a lunar exploration program is expected in 2008. European scientists are divided over whether the Moon or Mars should be the focus of their exploration effort.