Japan’s Kaguya Moon orbiter produced this impressive set of Earth-rise images. A host of other robotic probes are being readied to re-open the study of the Moon, for both scientific purposes and to prepare for a human return.

Credit: JAXA/NHK


Why Go Back to the Moon?
By Leonard David

Astronomically speaking: the Moon is in our face!
Next time it’s in your view, take a look at that cratered and desolate natural satellite of Earth. Even though a dozen humans between 1969 and 1972 walked across the lunar surface during the Apollo Moon landing program – it is far from being a “been there, done that world” in terms of exploration.
Ask Paul Spudis, a leading Moon expert at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, Texas, why investigate the Moon?

“My research focuses on the geological history and evolution of the Moon and processes of impact and volcanism that have shaped its surface,” he explains. “Impact and volcanism are the principal processes that have shaped the Moon and other terrestrial planets,” therefore our lunar neighbor can offer a look back in time to provide insights into the evolution of our solar system.

But Spudis is also adamant about a major reason to open up the Moon to increased exploration. That is, using the Moon to learn how to live and work productively in space.
“In recent years, I have become interested in the processes and history of the poles of the Moon, which have a unique environment and may harbor water ice deposits. Combined with near-constant solar illumination, the poles are thus ideal locales for possible permanent human presence,” he believes.

International probes

As you read this, two robotic orbiters are circling the Moon – gathering scientific survey information about our celestial next door neighbor. Surprise! They are not U.S. probes. They were built, launched and are being operated independently by Japan and China.

Japan’s Kaguya and China’s Chang'e I are both outfitted with science gear. Both are probing the origin and evolution of the Moon by investigating elements and minerals on the lunar surface, and carrying out other studies. Soon to join these robotic orbiters will be India’s Chandrayaan-1, now being readied for launch from that country in a few months time.

Also being readied for a lunar sendoff is NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). It is slated for launch by year’s end. LRO will relay back to Earth high-resolution maps of the Moon…as well as look for water ice and chart other lunar resources. An important part of the LRO mission is the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS for short. While it will launch with LRO toward the Moon, its assignment is to independently crash into the lunar surface. LCROSS is designed to take a high-impact nose-dive into the Moon in a search for water ice.

Furthermore, NASA has recently given the go-ahead for two other robotic lunar craft: the twin Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) spacecraft, as well as the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE).

Valuable lunar property

So, it’s obvious -- given all these spacecraft and their respective missions -- the data base about the Moon is far from full.

But the return to the Moon, using lunar orbiters and robotic landers, is more than gaining new scientific insight.

Again, Paul Spudis points out: “The robotic program is important because it is a tie to our destination. A robotic presence on the Moon prior to human arrival not only tests important processes we’ll be using on the Moon, particularly in regard to resource extraction -- which we’ve never done -- but also emplaces assets on the lunar surface for human use when crews finally arrive.”

 “Robotic missions are about much more than simply collecting new map data,” Spudis suggests. “A robotic presence on the Moon is both a statement of programmatic intent and a ‘claim stake’ on rare and valuable lunar property, he concludes.