Astronomy and space science from the moon: Panel discussion and perspectives

The COSPAR Symposium on "Astronomy and Space Science from the Moon", held at the COSPAR/IAF World Space Congress in Washington (on 31 August-3 September 1992), ended with a session on "Scenarios for lunar bases and observatories". A panel discussion was organised to address specific topics: • Precursor astronomy missions • Launch, landing and transportation systems, technologies • Site selection and emplacement, resource utilisation, architectural considerations • Link with space stations, and Mars exploration programmes • Human aspects, performance, protection, operations and activities • Protection of the lunar environment • Biospheres on the Moon. The panel discussion, coordinate by B.H. Foing (F) included in particular contributions from Drs Matogawa (Japan), R.M. Bonnet (ESA), H. Balsiger (CH and ESA representative), P. Bochsler (CH), S. Volonté (ESA), W. Mendell (NASA), W. Sadeh (USA), R. Manka (USA), B. Burke (USA), M. Rougeron (CNES), V. Bluem (Germany) and from the general participants. We give here a summary of these discussions. We also include additional information for assessing the perspectives for Lunar based activities after the COSPAR symposium.