Why lunar sample studies are not finished

Abstract

The investigation of the 380 kg of lunar samples brought to the earth by six manned Apollo missions and three unmanned Luna missions has been a tremendous success so far, increasing our knowledge of the moon far beyond our prior ignorance. The advances provide the heart of the recent book by S.R. Taylor, Planetary Science: A Lunar Perspective (published by the Lunar and Planetary Institute). This book shows that not only has much been learned but numerous questions remain open, including that of the origin of the moon. Unfortunately, funding limitations in the future may severely restrict or postpone the appropriate research.