LUVMI-X: an innovative instrument suit and versatile mobility solution for lunar exploration

Paper number

IAC-21,A3,2A,11,x66668

Author

Dr. Jeremi Gancet, Belgium, Space Applications Services

Coauthor

Mr. Diego A. Urbina, Belgium, Space Applications Services

Coauthor

Dr. Simon Sheridan, United Kingdom, Open University

Coauthor

Ms. Janos Biswas, Germany, Technische Universität München

Coauthor

Mr. Martin J. Losekamm, Germany, Technical University of Munich

Coauthor

Mr. Anthony Evagora, United Kingdom, Dynamic Imaging Analytics

Coauthor

Dr. Michael Deiml, Germany, OHB System AG

Coauthor

Dr. David Vogt, Germany, DLR (German Aerospace Center)

Coauthor

Dr. Peter Wessels, Germany, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.

Coauthor

Mr. Thibaud Chupin, Belgium, Space Applications Services

Coauthor

Mr. Hemanth Kumar Madakashira, Belgium, Space Applications Services N.V./S.A

Coauthor

Dr. Mathieu Deremetz, Belgium, Space Applications Services

Coauthor

Mr. Guillaume Fau, Belgium, Space Applications Services nv/sa

Coauthor

Mr. Debroise Maxence, Belgium, Space Applications Services

Coauthor

Dr. Lutz Richter, Germany, OHB System AG - Munich

Coauthor

Dr. Neil Murray, United Kingdom, Dynamic Imaging Analytics

Coauthor

Dr. Susanne Schröder, Germany, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Berlin

Coauthor

Dr. Joerg Neumann, Germany, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.

Coauthor

Dr. Hannah Sargeant, United Kingdom, Open University

Coauthor

Mr. Christian Gscheidle, Germany, Technical University of Munich

Coauthor

Mr. Thomas Poeschl, Germany, TU Muenchen

Coauthor

Mr. Nektarios Chari, Belgium, Space Applications Services

Coauthor

Ms. Marine Joulaud, France, Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques (CRPG)

Year

2021

Abstract

The 2018 ISECG Global Exploration Roadmap stated that future lunar exploration activities must be affordable and incorporate innovative approaches, meet exploration objectives as well as providing public benefits, be able to evolve and incorporate standard interfaces and support the preparation of human presence on the moon. This analysis was comforted by a Global Exploration Roadmap (GER) supplement in 2020. 
Aligning on this guidance, and leveraging former LUVMI project outcomes, LUVMI-Extended (LUVMI-X), in addition to mapping the lunar surface and subsurface for volatiles also aims to:  
\begin{enumerate}
\item Generate a deeper understanding of lunar resource potential by developing new instruments and new techniques to detect volatiles in new locations not accessible by the mobile instrumentation.  
\item  Incorporate new instruments and techniques to study the lunar environment and its effects on human health (dust, radiation). 
\item  Address sustainable presence on the lunar surface by making key measurements associated with in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU). 
\item  Developing an architecture that makes the lunar surface accessible to key enabling technologies such as new instruments and new power generation techniques.
\end{enumerate}

Noticeably LUVMI-X incorporates three innovative low mass payload families:
\begin{itemize}\item Mounted payloads for local remote sensing through “geochemical vision”, based on standardized mounting interface
\item Droppable payloads for long-duration environmental monitoring
\item Launchable payloads to analyse areas not accessible to the mobile instrumentation.
\end{itemize}
All these three payloads categories can be accommodated on the LUVMI-X rover - a mobile platform based on, and extending the original LUVMI rover. Modular payload accommodation was a major driver for the LUVMI-X rover, with the aim of making it an appealing small-size (~60 kg dry mass), versatile mobility platform that may serve as a competitive mobility solution baseline for recurrent lunar missions in the coming years.
This paper presents the LUVMI-X instruments developed through the project, as well as the LUVMI-X platform hosting these instruments. Latest analogue test results are presented with the integrated LUVMI-X system.

Abstract document

IAC-21,A3,2A,11,x66668.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-21,A3,2A,11,x66668.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.