NASA reports that it has mated four of six scientific instruments on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft. Meanwhile, ESA is considering building a robotic lunar lander to ferry cargo to crews on the surface.
The LRO instruments include:
- Lyman-Alpha Mapping Project. The instrument will map the entire lunar surface in the far ultraviolet spectrum and search for surface ice and frost in the polar regions. It will provide images of permanently shadowed regions that are illuminated only by starlight.
- Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation. CRaTER will characterize the lunar radiation environment, allowing scientists to determine potential impacts to astronauts and other life. It also will test models on the effects of radiation and measure radiation absorption by a type of plastic that is like human tissue. The results could aid in the development of protective technologies to help keep future lunar crew members safe.
- Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment. Diviner will measure surface and subsurface temperatures from orbit. It will identify cold traps and potential ice deposits as well as rough terrain and other landing hazards.
- The Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter. The instrument will measure landing site slopes and lunar surface roughness and generate high resolution three-dimensional maps of the moon. The instrument also will measure and analyze the lunar topography to identify both permanently illuminated and shadowed areas.
Two other instruments - the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera and the Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector - remain to be installed. LRO is set for launch late this year.
In other lunar news, Flight Global reports that ESA is considering a robotic lander capable of delivering 1,700 kilograms (3,700 lbs.) of cargo to a human base on the Moon. ESA officials are drafting a proposal for presentation during a ministerial conference in November.
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