月球科学的过去、现在和未来--参加第39届月球与行星科学大会有感

Impressions from the 39^(th) Lunar and Planetary Science Conference

综述了2008年3月10~14日在美国休斯敦召开的第39届月球与行星科学大会期间交流的与月球科学相关的会议内容,简要回顾了人类探测月球的历史。当前的月球科学研究归纳为6个主题:①月球和其他类地行星的地质演化;②撞击过程的定量化描述和太阳系历史的关系;③月壤的特征、月壤形成的机械过程和演化过程;④采样返回技术和原型机的开发与运用;⑤月球和其他行星体的内生和外来挥发分;⑥月表的大气和尘埃环境对人类登陆的影响。2007~2008年,日本、中国、印度和美国纷纷推出探月计划,将月球探测推向一个新的高潮。深空探测成为各国展示国力和科学技术水平的试验场,也将有力地促进科学技术的发展;独立探测和国际合作相结合已是大势所趋,数据资料共享将成为必然。公众的积极参与将为月球探测注入新的活力,并成为空间探测的基本动力。

This paper summarizes main results reported in the 39^th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference that held in Houston from March 10 to 14, 2008, and recent research reports and publications on Lunar science. We briefly analyze Lunar exploration history and conclude six themes have being focused by international space science community. They are ①origin and evolution of Moon and terrestrial planets; ②quantification of impact processes and histories of the solar system; ③ characterization of regolith and mechanisms of regolith formation and evolution; ④development and implementation of sample return technologies and protocols; ⑤study of endogenous and exogenous volatiles on the Moon and other planetary bodies; and ⑥proeesses involved with the atmosphere and dust environment of the Moon are accessible for scientific study. Lunar exploration activities are accelerated since 2007. Orbiters launched and be launched by Japan, China, India and the United State in 2007-2008 will greatly push forward lunar science and associated technologies. Independent and international collaborative explorations will dominate future lunar exploration. Sharing data for scientific research around the world is becoming a common sense. Public involvement will input strength force to impel lunar and deep space exploration.