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Science Priorities for the Lunar Exploration Architecture*
By
Bradley L. Jolliff1
Search and Discovery Article #70053 (2008)
Posted October 22, 2008
*Adapted from oral presentation at AAPG Annual
Convention,
1Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO ([email protected])
Science activities for future lunar exploration, including at an outpost site, are dominated by lunar and planetary science objectives, but also include astrophysics, heliophysics, earth science, planetary protection, and environmental characterization. Some activities relate purely to science, whereas others relate integrally to exploration. Key lunar and planetary science objectives are to investigate (1) Moon’s record of the impact history of the inner solar system, (2) internal structure and dynamics of the Moon, (3) composition and evolution of its crust and mantle, (4) nature and history of solar and other radiation through investigation of paleoregolith layers, and (5) investigation of polar volatile deposits. Exploration science includes better delineation of the characteristics and distribution of potential resources, including regolith that is rich in solar-wind gases and verification of volatile-element deposits in permanently shaded craters at the poles, as well as improved understanding of hazards to sustained human presence. High priorities for astrophysics include (1) meter-wavelength radio observations from the radio-quiet lunar farside to seek evidence of the strongly red-shifted 21-cm H line from the early universe and (2) retroreflectors or transponders for accurate tests of gravitational theory. For Earth science, the Moon provides a stable and serviceable platform for global, long-term, full-spectrum views of Earth to address climate variability, pollution sources and transport, natural hazards, and changes in the terrestrial cryosphere. For heliophysics, the Moon is a unique vantage point from which to better understand the Sun-Earth space environment. Work is needed to develop predictive capabilities for solar radiation events to safeguard human exploration activities and to better understand the dust-plasma environment at the lunar surface.
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Tempe Workshop Report / Results l Science community workshop Feb. 2007, Tempe Arizona (NASA Advisory Council) l Prioritization of science objectives across disciplines m Astrophysics m Heliophysics m Earth Science m Planetary Science m Planetary Protection l Workshop Synthesis Report m Subcommittee workshop reports l Recommendations via the NASA Advisory Council l Synthesis Report and associated recommendations
Astrophysics: The Highest Priorities l Worthwhile astrophysical opportunities within Lunar Architecture m Most promising: meter-wave radio telescopes on the lunar surface, and smaller "payloads of opportunity" competitively selected, that mesh well with the Lunar Architecture.
Lunar observatory: unique, stable, serviceable platform for global, continuous full-spectrum view of Earth for long-term monitoring of: l Time-dependent atmospheric composition m global mapping of emissions m long range transport of pollution plumes, greenhouse gases sources and sinks l Changes in the cryosphere m ice sheet disintegration m sea ice change m snow cover cycles l Earth and ecosystem monitoring m volcanic eruptions m wildland fires m drought and land degradation m health and structure of vegetation l Radiation balance and solar variability influence on climate Solar and Space Physics at the Moon: Summary l Lunar surface and lunar orbits provide good vantage points to investigate the lunar environment, particularly crustal magnetization and dust-plasma interactions. l Excavation of the lunar regolith could provide new and unique data on the particle and irradiance history of the Sun. l The lunar surface and lunar orbits offer good vantage points for imaging of the Sun, Geospace, and the boundaries of the Heliosphere. l Moon-based instrumentation would allow measurements of plasma transport in the magnetotail and would provide key space-weather monitoring capabilities in support of exploration missions. l The Moon is the keystone recorder of early solar system processes, especially those pertaining to the Earth-Moon system. l The most important processes on the Early Earth that shaped the environment in which life originated are recorded on the surface of the Moon and are accessible. m Impact cratering, Volcanism. m Return to the Moon provides the potential to access the record. l Investigations needed: m Detailed geologic field investigations. m Mobility to access diverse sites. m Sample collection and return to Earth for analysis. l Impact history, especially determining the heavy bombardment chronology. m requires samples from impact basins and craters. l Planetary differentiation m crustal rock type diversity and evolution l Understand Moon’s interior m chemical and physical stratification of mantle m Do variations mirror crustal asymmetry? m geophysical network: seismology, heat flow m volcanic glass as samples of deep interior l Characterize polar volatile deposit |
