Download Outstanding Lunar Science Questions and Opportunities Created by the ESA Ian Crawford

Outstanding Lunar Science Questions and
Opportunities Created by the ESA
Lunar Lander Programme
Ian Crawford
Key Lunar Science Drivers
(1) The bombardment history of the
inner solar system is uniquely
revealed on the Moon
(2) The structure and composition
of the lunar interior provide
fundamental information on the
evolution of a differentiated
planetary body
(3) Key planetary processes are
manifested in the diversity of lunar
crustal rocks
(4) The lunar poles provide special
environments that may bear witness
to the volatile flux over the latter
part of solar system history
Lunar Science at the
South Pole
Studies of the crustal evolution of the Moon
• SPA will have exposed
lower
crustal
and
possible mantle material
• Shackleton lies
within the SPA
just
• Materials on the rim of
Shackleton will likely
sample this material.
Studies of polar volatiles?
3μm absorption band:
surficial OH, H2O
(≤800 ppm; C. Pieters et
al., Science, 326, 568
2009).
In situ measurements
required to determine
thickness and composition
and origin of these volatiles
M3/NASA/ISRO
Solar-terrestrial physics and radio
astronomy from the Moon
• Lunar plasma
environment and space
weather
• Earth’s magnetosphere
and its interaction with the
lunar surface
• Low-frequency radio
science (radio astronomy
site testing)
(Credit: Steve Sembay, Leicester)
Lunar Lander
• A mission to position Europe as a partner in future exploration
• Defined to drive key technologies and perform exploration enabling science
7
Science objectives and overlap with STFC
„Big Science Questions‟
Science and Exploration
Objectives
Characterise the lunar
environment
Explore the geology and
geochemistry of the South Pole
of the Moon, and determine
abundance of potential
resources
Specific Scientific
Investigations
STFC ‘Big Question’
Relevance
• Radiation particles and fluxes
• Properties of dusty plasmas
• Solar wind and magneto-sphere
interactions
• Composition and origin of lunar
exosphere
(4) How does the Sun affect the Earth?
• Geochemistry and mineralogy of
the South Pole-Aitken Basin
(2) How do galaxies, stars and planets
form and evolve? [In particular, the
origin and evolution of the Earth-Moon
system]
• Composition and origin of
volatiles trapped at lunar poles
(5) What are the origins and properties
of energetic particles?
(6) Are we alone in the Universe? [In
particular, from astrobiological studies
of polar ices]
Prepare for future exploration
activities
• Toxicity of lunar dust
• Biological effects of the lunar
radiation field
Radio astronomy precursor
• Determine transmission
properties of lunar exo/
ionosphere (especially at low
frequency)
N/A for STFC (i.e. MRC, BBSRC), but
future lunar exploration will likely
facilitate key science benefits in STFC
science areas
(1) What is the Universe made of and
how does it evolve? [In particular, lowfreq. radio astronomy would provide a
window on the cosmic „dark ages‟] 8
Recommendation 13:
“….The
UK
should
support
exploration activity options as set
out in the UK‟s Space Exploration
Review….”
The
SER
in
turn
recommended participation
in the “ESA Small Lander”
as part of the preferred
Option 4(b): „Integrated
human and robotic‟.
Recommendation 15:
“The UK should invest earlier, more
consistently, and at a higher scale in
ESA programme in order to
maximise the UK‟s economic and
social
benefits
from
these
programmes.”