The Scientific Context for Exploration of the Moon (2007) / Chapter Skim
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5 Prioritized Lunar Science Concepts, Goals, and Recommendations
5 Prioritized Lunar Science Concepts, Goals, and Recommendations
Pages 52-61
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From page 52... ...
Identify a common set of prioritized basic science goals that could be addressed in the near-term via the LPRP1 program of orbital and landed robotic lunar missions (2008-2018) and in the early phase of human lunar exploration (nominally beginning in 2018)
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From page 53... ...
Although the rationales for the prioritization of the items in these three areas are linked throughout the discussion of this report, the implementation requirements are described in broad terms for the science concepts and in more specific terms for the eleven highest priority science goals. The committee reiterates that its priorities and recommendations relate to the near-term implementation of the Vision for Space Exploration, which includes the robotic precursors and initial human excursions on the Moon.
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From page 54... ...
1a. Test the cataclysm Continue geochronol- Higher-resolution images to provide targeted Sample return from the Develop instruments Identify and acquire samhypothesis by determin- ogy of impact-melt crater counts on selected ejecta facies.
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From page 55... ...
3a. Determine the High-resolution global Geophysical measurements of representative Sample return from Establish/participate Acquire wider variety of extent and composi- maps of mineralogy regions.
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From page 56... ...
(d) provided by data Orbital Measurements Landed Experiments, from SMART-1, Orbital measurements are not included in the Instruments, SELENE, Chang'e, complement of missions planned for launch (c)
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From page 57... ...
3b. Inventory the vari- Continue to search for Higher-resolution global and regional min- Sample returns from Develop instruments Acquire wider variety of ety, age, distribution, exotic components in eralogic and geochemical maps to identify representative and for precise, in situ geo- samples (for in situ study and origin of lunar rock existing samples and unusual lithologies and provide context for previously unsampled chronology.
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From page 58... ...
Understanding this period is important for several reasons: as tests of our models of the impact rate, planetary accretion, impact frustration of life, magma ocean formation and evolution, and extension and verification of the chronology. In order to answer the question of whether there was a cataclysm at 3.9 Ga, sample returns from the oldest impact basins combined with high-resolution imaging from orbit are required.
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From page 59... ...
A well-calibrated lunar chronology not only can be used to date unsampled lunar regions, but it can also be applied to date planetary surfaces of other planets in the inner solar system through modeling. An absolute lunar chronology is derived from combining lunar crater counts with radiometric sample ages and is thus the most precise -- and in some cases the only -- technique to date planetary surfaces for which samples have not been or cannot be obtained.
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From page 60... ...
Recommendation 1a: NASA should make a strategic commitment to stimulate lunar research and engage the broad scientific community2 by establishing two enabling programs, one for fundamental lunar research and one for lunar data analysis. Information from these two recommended efforts -- a Lunar Fundamental Research Program and a Lunar Data Analysis Program -- would speed and revolutionize understanding of the Moon as the Vision for Space Exploration proceeds.
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From page 61... ...
The answer to several high-priority science questions identified can be found within the South Pole-Aitken Basin, the oldest and deepest observed impact structure on the Moon and the largest in the solar system. Within it lie samples of the lower crust and possibly the lunar mantle, along with answers to questions on crater and basin formation, lateral and vertical compositional diversity, lunar chronology, and the timing of major impacts in the early solar system.
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