Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG)
Terms of Reference
The Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG) is responsible for analyzing scientific, technical, commercial, and operational issues associated with lunar exploration in response to requests by NASA. The LEAG serves as a community-based, interdisciplinary forum for future exploration and provides analysis in support of lunar exploration objectives and their implications for lunar architecture planning and activity prioritization. It provides findings and analysis to NASA through the NASA Advisory Council (the Council) within which the LEAG Chair is a member of the Planetary Science Subcommittee (PSS).
To carry out its role, the LEAG will:
- Provide findings, analysis, and other information that can be used to inform decisions on the science, technology, commercial, and operational content and priorities of lunar robotic and human missions.
- Provide a regular forum for broad discussion of lunar exploration science, technology, commerce, and operational issues, which will serve as a conduit for community input into lunar exploration activities and planning.
- Perform focused analyses in response to requests from the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD), the Science Mission Directorate (SMD), the Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD), or the Committees of the Council.
- Coordinate analyses that involve both the Moon and Mars with the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG).
The Chair of the LEAG is appointed to a two year term by the NASA Administrator in consultation with the NAC Chair following consultation with ESMD, SMD, and SOMD Associate Administrators, as well as with the Exploration and Science Committees, and the Planetary Sciences Subcommittee Chairs of the NAC. Membership and participation in the LEAG consists of lunar and planetary scientists, engineers, technologists, human systems specialists, mission designers, managers, and other participants in sustained lunar exploration drawn from the broad community of academia, industry, government, and the commercial sector. The LEAG may choose to organize sub-groups to deal with specific issues and report their findings to the full group. The Chair will be assisted by an Executive Secretary who serves as a single point of contact with NASA and an executive committee that will support planning and activities.The Executive Secretary will be appointed by the Associate Administrator for ESMD.
The LEAG will meet annually or as otherwise needed or upon request of the Council Chair. The LEAG Chair will set the regular annual meeting schedule in consultation with the LEAG Executive Committee. The findings of each meeting and analysis activity will be reported to the PSS and relevant Committees of the Council. Tasking for LEAG activities may be initiated through the Council Chair from ESMD, SMD, SOMD, the Committees and Subcommittees of the Council, or the LEAG Chair. The Council Chair will provide final approval, prioritization, and scheduling of requested tasks after consultation with the LEAG Chair and the Executive Secretary. Logistical and organizational support to the LEAG Chair will be provided through ESMD, SMD, SOMD, and the Lunar & Planetary Institute.
