Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
LMS instrument aboard the Blue Ghost Lander heading to Mare Crisium in mid-January
NASA is paving the way for a sustained human presence on the Moon through its Artemis program, which focuses on a succession of complex lunar missions. As part of the agency’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander is set to embark on a 14-day mission to Mare Crisium, transporting essential NASA scientific instruments designed to explore the lunar subsurface in a new, uncharted area.
The Lunar Magnetotelluric Sounder (LMS), developed by the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), aims to investigate the Moon’s interior, reaching depths of up to 700 miles, which is nearly two-thirds of the distance to its center. The data gathered from this mission will enhance our understanding of the Moon’s differentiation and thermal history, crucial for comprehending the development of solid celestial bodies.
The LMS employs a magnetotelluric method that analyzes natural fluctuations in surface electric and magnetic fields to ascertain the electrical conductivity of subsurface materials. This technique can effectively reveal information about the composition and structure of these materials.
Dr. Robert Grimm, the principal investigator for the LMS at SwRI, highlighted the longstanding use of magnetotellurics on Earth for various applications, including resource exploration and geological studies. He noted, “The LMS instrument represents the first significant application of magnetotellurics beyond our planet.”
Mare Crisium, an ancient impact basin approximately 350 miles in diameter, is filled with lava, resulting in a prominent dark area on the lunar surface. Historically, early astronomers mistakenly referred to these dark regions, or “maria,” as seas due to their appearance. Unlike other expansive lava plains where most Apollo missions occurred, Mare Crisium’s distinct geology may offer unique insights into the Moon’s overall structure, potentially providing the first geophysical measurements that are more representative of the lunar body as a whole.
The LMS features a set of electrodes arranged at right angles and can extend over distances of up to 60 feet. Similar to how a standard voltmeter operates, the instrument gauges voltages across pairs of electrodes. Its magnetometer is mounted on an extendable mast to minimize potential interference from the lander, enabling a thorough investigation of the electrical conductivity within the lunar interior.
According to Dr. Grimm, the combined weight of the LMS subsystems and connecting cables is around 14 pounds, requiring approximately 11 watts of power. When stored, the electrodes are coiled in a compact configuration resembling a ‘yarn ball,’ approximately the size of a softball.
The LMS integration into the lunar mission is made possible by funding from NASA’s CLPS initiative, with SwRI leading the scientific efforts and building the core electronics. Additionally, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center provided the magnetometer component, while Heliospace Corp. contributed the electrodes for the electrical field measurements.
This innovative operational model under CLPS signifies NASA’s commitment to fostering commercial lunar services, promoting industry growth, and facilitating ongoing lunar exploration. NASA intends to be one of several clients utilizing future CLPS missions, with its Marshall Space Flight Center overseeing the development of a significant portion of the payloads for the upcoming Blue Ghost lunar mission.
Source
www.nasa.gov