An Update on MoonLITE

Paper number

IAC-08.B4.8.1

Author

Dr. Robert Gowen, MSSL/UCL, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Andrew J. Ball, The Open University, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Yang Gao, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Ian Crawford, Birkbeck College London, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Prof. Alan Smith, MSSL/UCL, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Simeon Barber, The Open University, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Phillip Church, Qinetiq, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Andrew Griffiths, MSSL/UCL, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Axel Hagermann, The Open University, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Tom Pike, Imperial College London, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Andy Phipps, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Simon Sheridan, The Open University, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Mark Sims, University of Leicester, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Dean Talboys, University of Leicester, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Nigel Wells, QinetiQ Ltd, United Kingdom

Year

2008

Abstract

MoonLITE is a proposed, UK-led lunar science mission comprising 4 scientific penetrators that will make in-situ measurements at widely separated locations on the Moon. 

They will form a global seismic network capable of investigating the interior of the Moon including the existence of a core, its size and nature such as whether it is liquid or not. Particular landing sites at each pole will also allow determination of the existence of water and other volatiles, and astrobiological organics possibly deposited by impacting comets. The other two landing sites will include the far side which has also not yet seen a landing, and a landing near an Apollo site to allow correlation with previous results. Additionally, detection of lunar water resources and possible sites to avoid large seismic events potentially dangerous to lunar bases offer information very valuable to future human missions.

We will present a brief overview of this mission and its current status, including results from the forthcoming full scale impact tests currently on-schedule for late May this year, and from the pre-trial survival modelling. The current status of the planned Phase-A analysis and NASA involvement, and associated parallel hardware development programme will also be presented, together with their potential impact on the future development programme. 

We will additionally discuss the current status of possible coordination with the recently NASA proposed lunar geophysical network, and with other proposed lunar missions. 

Abstract document

IAC-08.B4.8.1.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.B4.8.1.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.