NASA has tapped the Johns
Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory to head
an investigation of the moon's poles, including a look at
how robots and eventually humans could use the moon's
natural resources.
The research will be conducted through NASA's Lunar Science
Institute, a consortium formed in 2008 to conduct research
for future moon missions, and to advance NASA's exploration
goals. NASA said that APL scientist Ben Bussey would lead
the institute's node on Scientific and Exploration
Potential of the Lunar Poles, focused on the geology and
surface composition of the moon's polar regions, the
engineering challenges of exploring those areas and the
ways explorers could use the resources they find.
"We're headed into luna incognita, taking the first hard
look at the scientific and exploration potential of the
lunar poles," Bussey said. "We will learn much more about
the environment, processes and history of the moon's polar
regions and, in doing so, fill a significant gap in our
understanding of the moon and the early solar system."
The APL-led team, which will receive a $6.9 million grant
to cover four years of work, was among seven chosen from 33
proposals. Consisting of more than 30 scientists and
engineers from institutions across the United States, the
group will use data from past, current and future lunar
missions for its research. "We are very excited to be one
of the first NLSI teams," Bussey said. "Collectively, we
will study a diverse range of research projects, all linked
toward better understanding the moon's polar regions. We
are also looking forward to working with the other NLSI
teams to expand our knowledge of lunar science and
understanding the challenges of living and working on the
lunar surface."
The team's work will build on APL's growing support of
NASA's exploration initiatives, including technical and
scientific roles in the International Lunar Network, the
Lunar Precursor Robotic program and the Constellation
program. Walt Faulconer, APL Civilian Space Business Area
executive, said, "It'll take a diverse team to send man
back to the moon and, eventually, beyond. Our engineers and
scientists are ready to help the nation reach its
exploration goals."
Supported by NASA's Science Mission and Exploration Systems
Mission directorates, NLSI is a "virtual" center managed by
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. Institute
teams, dispersed across the nation, work together to help
lead research related to NASA's lunar exploration goals.
The Scientific and Exploration Potential of the Lunar Poles
team includes members from APL, NASA Glenn Research Center,
Smithsonian Institution, Marshall Space Flight Center, U.S.
Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory,
University of Alaska, Space Telescope Science Institute,
University of Washington, University of Alabama at
Huntsville, Georgia Institute of Technology, U.S.
Geological Survey, Lunar and Planetary Institute and
Honeybee Robotics.
APL will also direct the team's education and public
outreach program.