We review in the context of latest lunar results the case for future lunar landers and sample returns, as discussed by various ILEWG science and technology task groups, addressing: - ESA Lunar Polar Lander Study (LES3) - A generic lander platform that can be adapted to sample return or to a lunar lander /rover fetcher. - New Science opportunities from lunar landers - Clues on mantle/lower crust (South Pole Aitken Basin), polar ice, cometary/meteoritic record - Technology demonstration preparation for Mars sample return - Technology demonstrator for lunar ascent vehicle, Earth reentry, and human return vehicle Technologies that can be developed for lunar sample return missions: entry airless bodies, Descent and landing, robotics, Instruments, Sample acquisition, Return and Earth reentry.

Date Published: 15 April 2008
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 6960, Space Exploration Technologies, 696009 (15 April 2008); doi: 10.1117/12.784639

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6960:
Space Exploration Technologies
Wolfgang Fink, Editor(s)