Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
A groundbreaking NASA technology, which has recently demonstrated its effectiveness in space, is set to return to the Moon for an investigation into gases located beneath the lunar surface. This endeavor is made possible through a new Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the commercial company Magna Petra Corp.
Earlier this year, the Mass Spectrometer Observing Lunar Operations (MSOLO) showcased its capabilities during the Intuitive Machines 2 mission, operating successfully in the challenging conditions of the Moon. The agreement stipulates that a second MSOLO, equipped on a commercial rover, will be launched to the lunar surface no sooner than 2026. The mission aims to detect low molecular weight volatiles, which may indicate the presence of precious isotopes like Helium-3, believed to be encased within the Moon’s regolith, or lunar dust.
Roberto Aguilar Ayala, a research physicist at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, remarked on the mission’s potential: “This new mission opportunity will help us determine what volatiles are present in the lunar surface, while also providing scientific insight for Magna Petra’s goals. Learning more about the lunar volatiles and their isotopes supports NASA’s objective of sustaining long-term human space exploration, enabling local resource extraction to enhance astronaut capabilities during future explorations.”
The MSOLO instrument will be integrated into a commercial rover chosen by Magna Petra, allowing for the acquisition of critical data regarding the presence of low-molecular weight gases on the lunar surface.
NASA will collaborate with Magna Petra to ensure the proper integration of MSOLO with the rover, enabling real-time data analysis and sharing between the partners. This collaboration aims to deepen the understanding of volatile locations on the Moon and their potential for future extraction.
Magna Petra is particularly interested in assessing the abundance of the Helium-3 isotope on the Moon. The ultimate goal is to extract this resource and return it to Earth, where it could be utilized across various sectors, including energy production through nuclear fusion, quantum computing, healthcare, and specialized laboratory applications.
The development of the MSOLO instrument began with a commercial mass spectrometer, originally intended for analyzing volatiles in semiconductor manufacturing, which helped keep NASA’s costs manageable. The instrument was subsequently modified for the extreme conditions of spaceflight and the Moon’s environment. Its initial mission included participation in the Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment 1.
Signed on April 2, this reimbursable agreement is groundbreaking for NASA Kennedy. Under its terms, Magna Petra will compensate NASA for expenses related to the integration and testing of MSOLO with the rover, as well as for preparations and mission operations, including system engineering, avionics, and software support.
Jonathan Baker, chief of Spaceport Development at NASA Kennedy, expressed optimism about the partnership: “This innovative agreement promises to provide valuable data to both partners. It exemplifies NASA’s commitment to exploring new pathways for collaboration with industry, enhancing technology in a responsible manner while fostering innovations that benefit humanity.”
Upon the mission’s completion, NASA will retain ownership of MSOLO. Once it ceases power and communication, the instrument will remain on the Moon’s surface, while the important data collected during the mission will be made available to the public through the Planetary Data System.
Source
www.nasa.gov