Europe develops Moon rover plan (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Paul Rincon
Science reporter, BBC News, Houston

The European Space Agency (Esa) could send a robot rover to the Moon in order to carry out lunar science and test important technologies for the future.

Esa is developing the MoonNext concept, which at present is being targeted for a 2015 launch, to present to ministers at a key meeting in November.

It will demonstrate the capability to land, survive and carry out robotic operations on the lunar surface.

Esa's chief scientist said the mission could land at the Moon's south pole.

Dr Bernard Foing told the BBC that Esa was carrying out engineering studies on the mission concept that would be ready to present at the end of the year.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7296043.stm