Robotic recon may significantly improve lunar exploration. In particular, robotic recon can improve mission planning, increase crew productivity and reduce operational risk for exploration.
Robotic rovers will be needed on the Moon. Both the 2006 “Science Associated with the Lunar Exploration Architecture” (NASA Advisory Council) and the 2007 “Scientific Context for the Exploration of the Moon” (National Research Council) recommend that research examine how robots can best assist humans on the Moon.
