Autonomous Detection and Observation of the Transient Lunar Phenomenon by a Satellite Constellation

Paper number

IAC-08.A3.2.INT15

Author

Prof. Hakan Kayal, Wuerzburg University, Germany

Coauthor

Prof. Klaus Briess, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany

Year

2008

Abstract

A large number of Transient Lunar Phenomenon (TLP) has been reported since the 17 th century by professional and amateur astronomers. TLP's are apparent short term, regional changes on the moon. 

Although there are a number of different possible explanations on the real nature of this phenomenon, a conclusive one does not exist yet due to insufficient data. Some of the more popular explanations are differences in reflections, Impact flashes, out gassing events or observation errors. Multiply reasons for different events seem also to be thinkable. One basic reason, why this phenomenon needs more attention is that currently many manned or unmanned activities towards the moon are ongoing or are planed for the future. It is therefore necessary to better understand the natural environment on the moon.

One category of TLP's occur only for a few seconds or even less, which makes a continuous observation necessary in order to "catch" such an event. Due to technological and difficult observation conditions from earth, past observation campaigns has not delivered enough data yet. Thus, a continuous, systematic, reliable and comparable observation over a long time period is necessary. 

With today's technology (e.g. video astronomy, autonomous image processing, nano satellites) it would be possible to overcome terrestrial difficulties by means of a dedicated satellite system. A constellation of nano satellites has the big advantage of having no disturbing atmosphere and continuous, automated observing capabilities, which would help to better analyze and understand the nature of the phenomenon to a relative low cost.

For this purpose, a dedicated, novel, and low cost TLP observation satellite mission is described here.

The satellite constellation would operate in low earth orbit in order to have the full moon disk in the field of view. It would consist of at least two satellites in a walker constellation to achieve continuous time coverage. The optical payload would be continuously operating and pointing towards the moon. Detection, storage and transmission of short video sequences from autonomously detected events would be performed automatically. An alert mechanism, which passes the relevant detection data to a ground based telescope network or moon orbiting satellite operators for timely additional observation (e.g. via ORBCOMM), would complete the system.

The paper will describe the motivation, the objectives, key requirements and a mission concept for the detection and observation of the Transient Lunar Phenomenon, which will contribute to better understand the sources of the phenomenon.

Abstract document

IAC-08.A3.2.INT15.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.A3.2.INT15.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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