This paper presents an analysis of mission objectives, system architectures, and options for technical commonality for robotic lunar lander precursors for the human return to the Moon by 2020. Commonality with LSAM offers opportunities for cost and risk reduction of the overall lunar exploration program; these advantages have to be weighted against potential up-front cost and risk penalties that the robotic lunar program would have to carry. A systematic process for the assessment of commonality options in a portfolio of complex systems is outlined and applied, including the analysis of mission objectives , robotic lander architecture analysis, identification, and the identification and assessment of commonality options on a technical basis. Primary mission objectives for the first robotic lunar lander mission should include the characterization of a lunar surface environment not previously visited (preferably one of the lunar poles) ,and mission operations and maneuvers similar to those planned for LSAM in order to gain operational experience relevant to human lunar landing. Four families of interesting lander architectures were identified, including concepts with staging during lunar descent. Depending on the propellant combination for the lunar lander and the launch vehicle used,payload masses between 100～2300 kg can be delivered to the lunar surface with current US launch vehicles and technology. Major opportunities for commonality with LSAM exist in the operational domain (similar trajectories and maneuvers) ,RCS propulsion,and GN&C;the primary benefit from this type of commonality is the reduction of developmental cost and risk,and operational risk for LSAM.
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