On the occasion of the Fourth International Conference on the Exploration and Utilisation of the Moon, held in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, we, the Young Lunar Explorers, convened under the auspices of the International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG).

Young Lunar Explorers (YLE) brainstorming session at ICEUM4

YLE top 5 recommendations

On this important occasion, we affirm that our ultimate goal is the permanent presence of humanity on the Moon: our cosmic companion and an inspiration through the ages.

To achieve that aim, we believe that all space enterprises - both public and private - should initiate a sustained and appropriately co-ordinated program of lunar exploration and development.

The youth of the world can and should play an important role in this program.

We pledge to continue the interaction we have begun at this meeting, and to contribute our time and resources towards this vital endeavour.

Together, we hope to bring the best of humanity to the Moon, and to bring the benefits of the Moon to all the people of Earth.

Recommendations

To implement this vision, we have agreed upon the following:

• Commit to a continuing, periodic programme of funded student lunar projects (e.g. every 5 years). The first project of this programme should be one which has been extensively developed and which involves a strong program of public outreach. In Europe, a good example is the LunarSat initiative.
• Establish a step-by-step, evolutionary approach to lunar exploration, within a constrained timeframe of approximately 25 years. This strategy should:

  -	Continue with robotic missions, including sample returns and test-bed applications
  -	Appropriately co-ordinate human and robotic missions
  -	Establish a lunar outpost leading to a permanently crewed, self-sufficient lunar base
  -	Use the Moon as 'launch pad' for Solar System exploration

• Found a Lunar Explorers Society, open to anyone. The Lunar Explorers Society should make a founding declaration, hold a founding conference and put forward recommendations within a specified period of time. It should also:

  -	Involve the general public and universities
  -	Encourage enthusiasm for exploration
  -	Establish links within the community of lunar experts and space agencies to identify scientific and technical requirements as well as priorities
  -	The Society should receive substantial support from ILEWG, and should consider productive co-operation, where appropriate, with organisations like the Mars Society and the Youth Advisory Council of the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs

• Increase the opportunities for young professionals within space agencies.
• Set up continuing communication processes (such as electronic mail distribution lists and/or a web site) within the community of Young Lunar Explorers, and build links with interested parties around the world as well as with other generations of lunar explorers.
• Launch missions that address questions of popular concern (such as whether there is water on the Moon) or that appeal to popular interests (such as video rovers for entertainment).

Point of Contact for the Young Lunar Explorers

Norbert Frischauf
Email: Norbert.Frischaufcem.ch

	Introduction to the Young Lunar Explorer session
	Proposals from Young Explorers