Young Lunar Explorers (YLE) brainstorming session at ICEUM4

The Moon as bench for science and technology and Solar System exploration

A step-by-step, evolutionary approach

• Continue with robotic missions, including sample returns and testbed for solar system exploration
• Evolve towards complementary crewed and robotic approach
• Lunar outpost leading to permanently crewed, self-sufficient lunar base & tourism
• Start to use Moon as 'launch pad' for Solar System exploration

Foundation of a 'Moon society'

• Involve general public and universities
• Encourage enthusiasm for exploration

Expert community to identify scientific and technical requirements and priorities

• Lunar communications infrastructure
• Maintain experience with technology for landing large payloads
• High resolution imagery of potential landing, outpost and permanent base sites

Lunar exploration based on experience in Antarctica

• Sign a Moon Treaty, including environmental protection ('no nuclear waste')
• Use of in-situ resources (technical, environmental, legal and commercial issues)

Using the Moon for space public awareness and education

• "Educate"
  - governments
  - scientists
  - business, commerce, industry
  - media
  - public, adults, kids
• Give goal/vision to people and explain benefits to them
• Get Moon into "prime-time"
• Ensure that developing countries are included in international lunar exploration
• Consider environmental issues
• Create a global organisation with Moon-focus (on all levels)
  - Organisational
  - Scientists/engineers
• Interested people
• "No war" with Mars organisations
• First day of Space-Week is 'Moonday'

Next steps towards an international lunar initiative

Define objectives/strategy/justification

• Dynamic Strategy
• Man/Robot issue
• Market Analysis
• Define Priorities
• Set up of International Working Group - ILEWG, UN

Improve communications

• Network - Webpage - Lunar Database (International)
• Standardisation
• Support Outreach Activities
• Involve Public

Policy, commercialisation and societal issues of lunar exploitation and utilisation

• Building upon existing organisations, define an inclusive group with legitimacy to discuss and resolve issues of the ethics, policies and law of lunar exploration
• Develop an internationally-acknowledged and coordinated agenda for lunar exploration
• Develop strategies for public/private cooperation and entrepreneurial activity
• Implement a sustained exploration program that develops interest in public and commercial arenas
• Identify and develop technologies that enable lunar exploration, including sustained human presence on the Moon.

Declaration of the Young Lunar Explorers