Preparation for astrobiological solar system exploration missions in orbit and on the moon

Kurzfassung

Since decades the International Space Station and some satellites were the first outposts for successful space experiments performed by robotic instrumentation and humans. A significant knowledge about resistance, technological capacities and operational logistics was gained in microgravity particularly in the disciplines of physics, astrochemistry, material sciences, space medicine, life sciences and astrobiology. It is now time to start a new era of space experiments on the Moon and in its orbit, where the effects of a different radiation environment and microgravity as well as the influence of dusty and rocky environment could be studied. In reference to InSitu Resource Utilization (ISRU) further exploration of the Moon is needed. The need to check what could be available on the Moon for building up lunar bases, mining rare earth elements, for potential nutrients for microorganisms within bio-driven “life support systems” is absolutely obvious. But also, the use of the lunar orbit and the lunar surface as experiment platforms for investigations on basic research in astronomy, astrobiology, material sciences, medicine and technology tests are prerequisite to allow well prepared further robotic and crewed space missions to Mars and the outer solar systems with its icy ocean worlds. Here the significance of results obtained in Low Earth Orbit and the potential of further investigations on and around the Moon for supporting future astrobiologically driven space exploration missions in the solar system and beyond will be discussed, including to debate what role new commercialized space platforms could play in the near and far future.