European Space Agency (ESA) may take part in Russian Moon program, – RAS Space Research Institute space gamma spectroscopy laboratory head Igor Mitrofanov reported.
According to him European scientists are currently studying the opportunity of placing their drilling machine on Russian landing probe “Luna-Resource”. The scientist pointed out that drilling to the depth of 2 meters is necessary to get moon ice samples.
“Probably the first several centimeters of moon regolith will be dry, that’s why we need to get the samples from the depth,” – Metrofanov explained.
“ESA council of ministers decision on cooperation with Russia in Moon program is expected to be taken by October 2014. If ESA takes this decision we’ll get the European “drill string” by 2019”, – the scientist reported.
