DOCSLIB.ORG

3D Printered Structure of Lacus Mortis Pit Crater with Assumption of a Cave Underneath

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

2nd International Planetary Caves Conference (2015) 9015.pdf 3D PRINTERED STRUCTURE OF LACUS MORTIS PIT CRATER WITH ASSUMPTION OF A CAVE UNDERNEATH. Ik-Seon Hong1, Eunjin Cho1, Yu Yi1, Jaehyung Yu1, Junichi Haruyama2, 1Department of Astron- omy, Space Science and Geology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, South Korea; [email protected], 2Department of Solar System Sciences, Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5210, Japan. Introduction: Several places presumed to be the en- until the actual exploration on foot and the small shad- trances of caves were discovered in the Moon and ow in the northern side also indicates that there is a Mars [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Besides, about 200 pit-looking ramp alongside the wall of the pit, it is considered that places, which are known as pit craters (abbreviated to this ramp could be an entrance to the inside of the pit. pits), have been discovered and these can be candidates Also, since the collapsed ceiling materials covered the of caves. The pits are found in the regions of the lunar floor of the pit, it is assumed that the entrance of the mare and in places that experienced melting due to cave was buried or the size of the entrance is much meteorite impact [7][8]. Other study showed that those smaller compared to the thickness of ceiling. Thus, the pits could be entrances of caves through comparing entrance is set to have a small size. Moreover, the big those pits to the actual cave entrance of the Earth [9]. size pits discovered up to the present time may have The Google Lunar X Prize (GLXP) project is a pub- some inner space inside the pit that can be considered lic competition that is planning to explore the Moon suitable for an outpost once the space is excavated using a rover. Among those competitors, Astrobotic slightly more. The existence of inner space is con- Technology Inc. and HAKUTO Team each plan to firmed through the incidence angle of the sun and the explore a pit using a rover [10][11]. For both teams, emission angle of the satellite. Incidence angle is angle the target landing site is a pit of Lacus Mortis. In this between solar ray incident and normal of planetary pit, there is a ramp down to the bottom of the crater. surface, and emission angle is angle between satellite Thus, it is believed that the rover could approach the camera and normal of planetary surface. Also, there are inside of the pit. Although, there was a report insisting a few grabens such as Rimae Burg, it is likely that there no evidence of cave entrance structure inside this pit might be lava tubes below these grabens [12]. Since the [8], all the image data of this pit are shadowed to some pit is not far away from the graben, if there is a lava portion, the complete shape of pit is not possible to tube below the surface, the pit could serve as an en- identify. Thus, it is arguable whether there is no inner trance to this cave. space. Area of Interest: The region of interest, the Lacus Mortis pit, is located at 44.96°N, 25.61°E of Lacus Mortis (Fig. 1). Lacus Mortis is in a lunar mare region and composed of basalt and has several rilles. The pit is located about 1 km away from Rimae Burg. The pit is oval shaped and the length of the major axis is about 260 m while the length of the minor axis is about 100 m. Also, there is a ramp enabling access to the inside of the pit (Fig. 2) Data and Method: For this study, the optical im- age data of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) were used. The LROC consists of two cameras; Wide Angle Camera (WAC) and Narrow Angle Cam- era (NAC). The Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) has a maximum resolution of 0.5 m/pixel and is suitable for analyzing the topography of the lunar surface. Fig. 1. Location of Lacus Mortis pit. The location of The detailed information necessary to build a 3D Lacus Mortis in lunar scale (A); the location of pit in model is obtained by analyzing the NAC image data. It the Lacus Mortis (B); detailed look of pit location (C); is assumed that there is space of a cave across the east- Rimae Burg locates in the left of the pit in a diagonal ern slope of the pit. Since the southern shape of the pit line. could not be identified due to shadows and the interior space of the pit showed be assumed to take any form 2nd International Planetary Caves Conference (2015) 9015.pdf Fig. 2. Lacus Mortis pit morphology. Image ID is M126759036L. There is a ramp in the east of the pit to enable access to the interior of the pit. Results: The 3D model rendering was made using 3DS MAX from Autodesk Inc. on a scale of 2000:1. The length of the internal cave in the cross sectional view is 8.6 cm and the height of the internal cave is Fig. 4. 3D model rendering images of Lacus Mortis pit. 3.75 cm. Also, a little bit of tolerance is allowed in (A) is a sectional view against the minor axis and each interval of the cave. The reason why the cave is shows the structure of the cave at a glance. (B) shows not in a cylindrical shape is due to the assumption that the shape of the pit. (C) shows an aeroview of the pit the cave was originally cylindrical, but gradually, the and shows the entire shape of the pit. (D) and (E) show crust material of the ceiling collapsed down to pile up the interior of the pit in different angles. and fill the lower part of the cylinder. Each dimension of the model is as follows: the Conclusion: The structure of the Lacus Mortis pit, length of the major axis is 18 cm, the length of the mi- which is a target landing site of Astrobotic Technology nor axis is 5 cm, the depth at the endpoint of ramp is Inc. and HAKUTO team, was investigated and a 3D 6.45 cm. There is an unobservable area due to shadow, model was developed. In spite of the assumption that even when the time of the NAC image data is different. there is a cave inside the pit, the shape of the model is In this case, it was assumed that the model was sym- quite consistent with the satellite image data. Moreover, metrical relative to the major axis, and the model was this model allows for various viewpoints. Thus, a lunar also displayed in various perspectives(Fig. 3 and 4). surface viewpoint enables us to determine the topogra- Also, mesh smooth filtering was applied to express phy and to have provisions on how to operate an actual curvatures. rover. In addition, the 3D printing of this model will enable intuitive analysis and also could be used as a convenient tool to publicize lunar exploration missions. References: [1] Haruyama J. et al. (2009) Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L21206. [2] Haruyama J. et al. (2010) 41st LPSC. [3] Haruyama J. et al. (2011) 28th Interna- tional Symposium on Space Technology and Science. [4] Cushing G. E. et al. (2007) Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, L17201. [5] Cushing G. E. (2012) J. Cave Karst Stud., 74, 33-47. [6] Jung et al. (2014) J. Astron. Space Sci., 31, 141-144. [7] Robinson M. S. (2012) Planet. Space Sci., 69, 18-27. [8] Wagner R. V. and Robinson M. S. (2014) Icarus, 237, 52-60. [9] Hong IS. et al. (2014) J. Astron. Space Sci., 31, 131-140 [10] Huber S. A. et al. Fig. 3. Wireframe image of 3D model. (A) indicates a (2014) LPI Contributions, 1820, 3065. [11] Britton N. sectional view against the major axis and takes similar et al. (2015) Field and Service Robotics, 259-272. [12] shape shown in Fig. 5. (B) represents a sectional view Greeley R. (1971) Mod. Geol., 2, 207-223 against the minor axis and shows the placement of the cave. (C) shows a floor plan and shows the shape of the pit and the internal cave. (D) is an aeroview of the model and shows entire shape of the model. .
Recommended publications
  • Flight Opportunities and Small Spacecraft Technology Program Updates NAC Technology, Innovation and Engineering Committee Meeting | March 19, 2020

    Flight Opportunities and Small Spacecraft Technology Program Updates NAC Technology, Innovation and Engineering Committee Meeting | March 19, 2020

    Flight Opportunities and Small Spacecraft Technology Program Updates NAC Technology, Innovation and Engineering Committee Meeting | March 19, 2020 Christopher Baker NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate Flight Opportunities and Small Spacecraft Technology Program Executive National Aeronautics and Space Administration 1 CHANGING THE PACE OF SPACE Through Small Spacecraft Technology and Flight Opportunities, Space Tech is pursuing the rapid identification, development, and testing of capabilities that exploit agile spacecraft platforms and responsive launch capabilities to increase the pace of space exploration, discovery, and the expansion of space commerce. National Aeronautics and Space Administration 2 THROUGH SUBORBITAL FLIGHT The Flight Opportunities program facilitates rapid demonstration of promising technologies for space exploration, discovery, and the expansion of space commerce through suborbital testing with industry flight providers LEARN MORE: WWW.NASA.GOV/TECHNOLOGY Photo Credit: Blue Origin National Aeronautics and Space Administration 3 FLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES BY THE NUMBERS Between 2011 and today… In 2019 alone… Supported 195 successful fights Supported 15 successful fights Enabled 676 tests of payloads Enabled 47 tests of payloads 254 technologies in the portfolio 86 technologies in the portfolio 13 active commercial providers 9 active commercial providers National Aeronautics and Space Administration Numbers current as of March 1, 2020 4 TECHNOLOGY TESTED IN SUBORBITAL Lunar Payloads ISS SPACE IS GOING TO EARTH ORBIT, THE MOON, MARS, AND BEYOND Mars 2020 Commercial Critical Space Lunar Payload Exploration Services Solutions National Aeronautics and Space Administration 5 SUBORBITAL INFUSION HIGHLIGHT Commercial Lunar Payload Services Four companies selected as Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CPLS) providers leveraged Flight Opportunities-supported suborbital flights to test technologies that are incorporated into their landers and/or are testing lunar landing technologies under Flight Opportunities for others.
  • Sky and Telescope

    Sky and Telescope

    SkyandTelescope.com The Lunar 100 By Charles A. Wood Just about every telescope user is familiar with French comet hunter Charles Messier's catalog of fuzzy objects. Messier's 18th-century listing of 109 galaxies, clusters, and nebulae contains some of the largest, brightest, and most visually interesting deep-sky treasures visible from the Northern Hemisphere. Little wonder that observing all the M objects is regarded as a virtual rite of passage for amateur astronomers. But the night sky offers an object that is larger, brighter, and more visually captivating than anything on Messier's list: the Moon. Yet many backyard astronomers never go beyond the astro-tourist stage to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to really appreciate what they're looking at, and how magnificent and amazing it truly is. Perhaps this is because after they identify a few of the Moon's most conspicuous features, many amateurs don't know where Many Lunar 100 selections are plainly visible in this image of the full Moon, while others require to look next. a more detailed view, different illumination, or favorable libration. North is up. S&T: Gary The Lunar 100 list is an attempt to provide Moon lovers with Seronik something akin to what deep-sky observers enjoy with the Messier catalog: a selection of telescopic sights to ignite interest and enhance understanding. Presented here is a selection of the Moon's 100 most interesting regions, craters, basins, mountains, rilles, and domes. I challenge observers to find and observe them all and, more important, to consider what each feature tells us about lunar and Earth history.
  • Highlights in Space 2010

    Highlights in Space 2010

    International Astronautical Federation Committee on Space Research International Institute of Space Law 94 bis, Avenue de Suffren c/o CNES 94 bis, Avenue de Suffren UNITED NATIONS 75015 Paris, France 2 place Maurice Quentin 75015 Paris, France Tel: +33 1 45 67 42 60 Fax: +33 1 42 73 21 20 Tel. + 33 1 44 76 75 10 E-mail: : [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Fax. + 33 1 44 76 74 37 URL: www.iislweb.com OFFICE FOR OUTER SPACE AFFAIRS URL: www.iafastro.com E-mail: [email protected] URL : http://cosparhq.cnes.fr Highlights in Space 2010 Prepared in cooperation with the International Astronautical Federation, the Committee on Space Research and the International Institute of Space Law The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs is responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space and assisting developing countries in using space science and technology. United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs P. O. Box 500, 1400 Vienna, Austria Tel: (+43-1) 26060-4950 Fax: (+43-1) 26060-5830 E-mail: [email protected] URL: www.unoosa.org United Nations publication Printed in Austria USD 15 Sales No. E.11.I.3 ISBN 978-92-1-101236-1 ST/SPACE/57 *1180239* V.11-80239—January 2011—775 UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR OUTER SPACE AFFAIRS UNITED NATIONS OFFICE AT VIENNA Highlights in Space 2010 Prepared in cooperation with the International Astronautical Federation, the Committee on Space Research and the International Institute of Space Law Progress in space science, technology and applications, international cooperation and space law UNITED NATIONS New York, 2011 UniTEd NationS PUblication Sales no.
  • For Immediate Release: TWO GOOGLE LUNAR XPRIZE

    For Immediate Release: TWO GOOGLE LUNAR XPRIZE

    Media Contact: Kyoko Yonezawa [email protected] For Immediate Release: TWO GOOGLE LUNAR XPRIZE TEAMS ANNOUNCE RIDESHARE PARTNERSHIP FOR MISSION TO THE MOON IN 2016 Team HAKUTO (Japan) and Team Astrobotic (U.S.) Plan Cooperative Launch in Pursuit of $30 Million Prize to Land a Private Spacecraft on the Lunar Surface TOKYO, Japan (February 24, 2015) – HAKUTO, the only Japanese team competing for the $30 million Google Lunar XPRIZE, has announced a contract with fellow competitor, Astrobotic, based in Pittsburgh, Pa., to carry a pair of rovers to the moon. Astrobotic plans to launch its Google Lunar XPRIZE mission on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Fla., during the second half of 2016. HAKUTO’s twin rovers, Moonraker and Tetris, will piggyback on Astrobotic's Griffin lander to reach the lunar surface. Upon touchdown, the rovers will be released simultaneously with Astrobotic’s Andy rover, developed by Carnegie Mellon University, travel 500 meters on the moon’s surface and send high-definition images and video back to Earth, all in pursuit of the $20M Google Lunar XPRIZE Grand Prize. Last month, both teams were awarded Google Lunar XPRIZE Milestone Prizes: HAKUTO won $500,000 for technological advancements in the Mobility category, while Astrobotic, in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, won a total of $1.75M for innovations in all three focus areas—Landing, Mobility and Imaging. Throughout the judging process, all three rovers, Moonraker, Tetris and Andy, demonstrated the ability to move 500 meters across the lunar surface and withstand the high radiation environment and extreme temperatures on the moon.
  • NVIDIA Maximus Success Story NVIDIA Maximus Technology Helps Astrobotic Ignite New Era of Moon Exploration When the Google Luna

    NVIDIA Maximus Success Story NVIDIA Maximus Technology Helps Astrobotic Ignite New Era of Moon Exploration When the Google Luna

    NVIDIA Maximus Success Story NVIDIA Maximus Technology Helps Astrobotic Ignite New Era of Moon Exploration When the Google Lunar X PRIZE was announced in 2010, Astrobotic Technology was among the first to heed the call. The reward: a total of $30 million, the largest international incentive prize of all time, available to privately funded teams. The challenge: be the first to safely land a robot on the surface of the moon, control the robot to travel 500 meters over the lunar surface, and send high-definition (HD) video, images, and data back to earth. “Astrobotic is a bit like UPS, but for the moon,” said Jason Calaiaro, director of Information Systems for Astrobotic Technology. The company’s primary service is the delivery of payloads – scientific instruments, space agency exploration gear, data collection devices, etc. – to the lunar surface. The Lunar X PRIZE fit nicely with Astrobotic’s goals and business model and promises to provide some high-profile publicity to the company. To help keep its competitive dreams on track, Astrobotic needed to be able to do its complex robot design, structural and vibration analysis, and visualization more quickly and completely. The company upgraded its hardware to include NVIDIA® Maximus™ technology powering Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks, ANSYS, and MathWorks MATLAB software. Not only is this sophisticated technology helping position Astrobotic for Lunar X success, it is also helping to ramp up the company’s main commercial ventures. CHALLENGE Astrobotic was founded in 2008 as a spin-off from the Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, with the mission to build robots able to explore and deliver payloads to the moon, Mars, and beyond.
  • KPLO, ISECG, Et Al…

    KPLO, ISECG, Et Al…

    NationalNational Aeronautics Aeronautics and Space and Administration Space Administration KPLO, ISECG, et al… Ben Bussey Chief Exploration Scientist Human Exploration & Operations Mission Directorate, NASA HQ 1 Strategic Knowledge Gaps • SKGs define information that is useful/mandatory for designing human spaceflight architecture • Perception is that SKGs HAVE to be closed before we can go to a destination, i.e. they represent Requirements • In reality, there is very little information that is a MUST HAVE before we go somewhere with humans. What SKGs do is buy down risk, allowing you to design simpler/cheaper systems. • There are three flavors of SKGs 1. Have to have – Requirements 2. Buys down risk – LM foot pads 3. Mission enhancing – Resources • Four sets of SKGs – Moon, Phobos & Deimos, Mars, NEOs www.nasa.gov/exploration/library/skg.html 2 EM-1 Secondary Payloads 13 CUBESATS SELECTED TO FLY ON INTERIM EM-1 CRYOGENIC PROPULSION • Lunar Flashlight STAGE • Near Earth Asteroid Scout • Bio Sentinel • LunaH-MAP • CuSPP • Lunar IceCube • LunIR • EQUULEUS (JAXA) • OMOTENASHI (JAXA) • ArgoMoon (ESA) • STMD Centennial Challenge Winners 3 3 3 Lunar Flashlight Overview Looking for surface ice deposits and identifying favorable locations for in-situ utilization in lunar south pole cold traps Measurement Approach: • Lasers in 4 different near-IR bands illuminate the lunar surface with a 3° beam (1 km spot). Orbit: • Light reflected off the lunar • Elliptical: 20-9,000 km surface enters the spectrometer to • Orbit Period: 12 hrs distinguish water
  • Analysis of Illumination Conditions at the Lunar South Pole Using Parallel Computing Techniques

    Analysis of Illumination Conditions at the Lunar South Pole Using Parallel Computing Techniques

    Technische Universitat¨ Berlin Master Thesis Analysis of illumination conditions at the lunar south pole using parallel computing techniques Supervisors: Author: Dipl.-Ing. Philipp Glaser¨ Ramiro Marco figuera Prof. Dr. J¨urgen Oberst A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Planetary Geodesy Research Group Department of Geodesy and Geoinformation Science November 2014 Declaration of Authorship I, Ramiro Marco figuera, declare that this thesis titled, 'Analysis of illumination conditions at the lunar south pole using parallel computing techniques' and the work presented in it are my own. I confirm that: This work was done wholly or mainly while in candidature for a research degree at this University. Where any part of this thesis has previously been submitted for a degree or any other qualification at this University or any other institution, this has been clearly stated. Where I have consulted the published work of others, this is always clearly at- tributed. Where I have quoted from the work of others, the source is always given. With the exception of such quotations, this thesis is entirely my own work. I have acknowledged all main sources of help. Where the thesis is based on work done by myself jointly with others, I have made clear exactly what was done by others and what I have contributed myself. Signed: Date: i TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT¨ BERLIN Abstract Faculty VI Planning - Building - Environment Department of Geodesy and Geoinformation Science Master of Science Analysis of illumination conditions at the lunar south pole using parallel computing techniques by Ramiro Marco figuera In this Master Thesis an analysis of illumination conditions at the lunar south pole using parallel computing techniques is presented.
  • Glossary of Lunar Terminology

    Glossary of Lunar Terminology

    Glossary of Lunar Terminology albedo A measure of the reflectivity of the Moon's gabbro A coarse crystalline rock, often found in the visible surface. The Moon's albedo averages 0.07, which lunar highlands, containing plagioclase and pyroxene. means that its surface reflects, on average, 7% of the Anorthositic gabbros contain 65-78% calcium feldspar. light falling on it. gardening The process by which the Moon's surface is anorthosite A coarse-grained rock, largely composed of mixed with deeper layers, mainly as a result of meteor­ calcium feldspar, common on the Moon. itic bombardment. basalt A type of fine-grained volcanic rock containing ghost crater (ruined crater) The faint outline that remains the minerals pyroxene and plagioclase (calcium of a lunar crater that has been largely erased by some feldspar). Mare basalts are rich in iron and titanium, later action, usually lava flooding. while highland basalts are high in aluminum. glacis A gently sloping bank; an old term for the outer breccia A rock composed of a matrix oflarger, angular slope of a crater's walls. stony fragments and a finer, binding component. graben A sunken area between faults. caldera A type of volcanic crater formed primarily by a highlands The Moon's lighter-colored regions, which sinking of its floor rather than by the ejection of lava. are higher than their surroundings and thus not central peak A mountainous landform at or near the covered by dark lavas. Most highland features are the center of certain lunar craters, possibly formed by an rims or central peaks of impact sites.
  • The Annual Compendium of Commercial Space Transportation: 2017

    The Annual Compendium of Commercial Space Transportation: 2017

    Federal Aviation Administration The Annual Compendium of Commercial Space Transportation: 2017 January 2017 Annual Compendium of Commercial Space Transportation: 2017 i Contents About the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation The Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation (FAA AST) licenses and regulates U.S. commercial space launch and reentry activity, as well as the operation of non-federal launch and reentry sites, as authorized by Executive Order 12465 and Title 51 United States Code, Subtitle V, Chapter 509 (formerly the Commercial Space Launch Act). FAA AST’s mission is to ensure public health and safety and the safety of property while protecting the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States during commercial launch and reentry operations. In addition, FAA AST is directed to encourage, facilitate, and promote commercial space launches and reentries. Additional information concerning commercial space transportation can be found on FAA AST’s website: http://www.faa.gov/go/ast Cover art: Phil Smith, The Tauri Group (2017) Publication produced for FAA AST by The Tauri Group under contract. NOTICE Use of trade names or names of manufacturers in this document does not constitute an official endorsement of such products or manufacturers, either expressed or implied, by the Federal Aviation Administration. ii Annual Compendium of Commercial Space Transportation: 2017 GENERAL CONTENTS Executive Summary 1 Introduction 5 Launch Vehicles 9 Launch and Reentry Sites 21 Payloads 35 2016 Launch Events 39 2017 Annual Commercial Space Transportation Forecast 45 Space Transportation Law and Policy 83 Appendices 89 Orbital Launch Vehicle Fact Sheets 100 iii Contents DETAILED CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .
  • Private Sector Lunar Exploration Hearing

    Private Sector Lunar Exploration Hearing

    PRIVATE SECTOR LUNAR EXPLORATION HEARING BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON SPACE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 Serial No. 115–27 Printed for the use of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology ( Available via the World Wide Web: http://science.house.gov U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE 27–174PDF WASHINGTON : 2017 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Publishing Office Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512–1800; DC area (202) 512–1800 Fax: (202) 512–2104 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20402–0001 COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY HON. LAMAR S. SMITH, Texas, Chair FRANK D. LUCAS, Oklahoma EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas DANA ROHRABACHER, California ZOE LOFGREN, California MO BROOKS, Alabama DANIEL LIPINSKI, Illinois RANDY HULTGREN, Illinois SUZANNE BONAMICI, Oregon BILL POSEY, Florida ALAN GRAYSON, Florida THOMAS MASSIE, Kentucky AMI BERA, California JIM BRIDENSTINE, Oklahoma ELIZABETH H. ESTY, Connecticut RANDY K. WEBER, Texas MARC A. VEASEY, Texas STEPHEN KNIGHT, California DONALD S. BEYER, JR., Virginia BRIAN BABIN, Texas JACKY ROSEN, Nevada BARBARA COMSTOCK, Virginia JERRY MCNERNEY, California BARRY LOUDERMILK, Georgia ED PERLMUTTER, Colorado RALPH LEE ABRAHAM, Louisiana PAUL TONKO, New York DRAIN LAHOOD, Illinois BILL FOSTER, Illinois DANIEL WEBSTER, Florida MARK TAKANO, California JIM BANKS, Indiana COLLEEN HANABUSA, Hawaii ANDY BIGGS, Arizona CHARLIE CRIST, Florida ROGER W. MARSHALL, Kansas NEAL P. DUNN, Florida CLAY HIGGINS, Louisiana RALPH NORMAN, South Carolina SUBCOMMITTEE ON SPACE HON. BRIAN BABIN, Texas, Chair DANA ROHRABACHER, California AMI BERA, California, Ranking Member FRANK D. LUCAS, Oklahoma ZOE LOFGREN, California MO BROOKS, Alabama DONALD S.
  • The Geologic Context of Major Lunar Mare Pits. L

    The Geologic Context of Major Lunar Mare Pits. L

    3rd International Planetary Caves 2020 (LPI Contrib. No. 2197) 1048.pdf THE GEOLOGIC CONTEXT OF MAJOR LUNAR MARE PITS. L. Kerber1 L. M. Jozwiak2, J. Whitten3, R.V. Wagner4, B.W. Denevi2, , The Moon Diver Team. 1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, CA, 91109 ([email protected]). 2Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD, 20723, 3Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70118, 4Arizona State Univeristy, Tempe, AZ, 85287. Introduction: In 2009, the Kaguya spacecraft dis- surface void [3]. The pit is located a few kilometers to covered several large pits in the lunar surface [1]. Later the west of the Rimae Burg graben, and could be relat- Lunar Reconaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) images ed [7]. Compositionally, the pit is located in a deposit captured these pits in greater detail, revealing that of low- to very low-Ti and high Al2O3 lavas that extend some of them expose tens of meters of in-situ lava bed- from Lacus Mortis across the larger Mare Frigoris re- rock cross-sections in their walls [2,3]. Such exposures gion [8]. The Lacus Mortis region itself is a small, offer tantalizing natural drill-holes through the regolith semi-circular mare deposit to the south of Mare Frigor- and into the lunar maria. In particular, the pits provide is, and appears to be composed of a single basaltic unit the opportunity to examine maria deposits from the top [8]. The Lacus Mortis pit would provide access to 5-6 of the regolith, through the regolith/bedrock interface, layers of undersampled Al-rich lavas [8].
  • Espinsights the Global Space Activity Monitor

    Espinsights the Global Space Activity Monitor

    ESPInsights The Global Space Activity Monitor Issue 3 July–September 2019 CONTENTS FOCUS ..................................................................................................................... 1 A new European Commission DG for Defence Industry and Space .............................................. 1 SPACE POLICY AND PROGRAMMES .................................................................................... 2 EUROPE ................................................................................................................. 2 EEAS announces 3SOS initiative building on COPUOS sustainability guidelines ............................ 2 Europe is a step closer to Mars’ surface ......................................................................... 2 ESA lunar exploration project PROSPECT finds new contributor ............................................. 2 ESA announces new EO mission and Third Party Missions under evaluation ................................ 2 ESA advances space science and exploration projects ........................................................ 3 ESA performs collision-avoidance manoeuvre for the first time ............................................. 3 Galileo's milestones amidst continued development .......................................................... 3 France strengthens its posture on space defence strategy ................................................... 3 Germany reveals promising results of EDEN ISS project ....................................................... 4 ASI strengthens