Lunar Polar Explorer Science: Fundamental and Exploration Science at the Lunar Poles
| In the last decade, hydrogen and/or hydrogen-bearing species have been detected across the lunar polar regions with remote sensing instrumentation aboard several international orbiters. The LRO LCROSS impact mission in 2009 also positively identified water in the form of ice (and other volatiles) in one permanently shadowed region (PSR) in the southern lunar Cabeus crater. Ground truthing is needed to advance our fundamental understanding of the nature, composition, abundance, and vertical/lateral distribution of water and other volatiles in the polar regions. This information will shed light on the origins and evolution of these volatiles, as well as aid in fundamental and exploration science for preparatory ISRU activities. The first European device to land on the Moon will be the PROSPECT drill and sample analysis package, which will address these important ground truthing goals. The Topical Team provides a forum for the lunar community and science experts across Europe to help identify and constrain the major science questions and objectives for building upon this first step, which can greatly help to inform ESA’s science preparations and advancement of concept studies. |