2023-08-19 18:34:21
At a time when the quest for space is turning more and more towards our natural satellite, the Lune, Oxford Universityin collaboration with the NASA, is about to carry out a unique and revolutionary mission. Their goal ? Explore in detail the composition of the lunar surface and, above all, the tracking of water – an essential element for future human missions. At the heart of this mission is the Lunar Thermal Mapper (LTM) of Oxford University. Thanks to a satellite, this advanced instrument is designed to map the temperature of the lunar surface, with variations ranging from -163°C to 127°C.
In addition, thanks to its specialized infrared channels, the LTM will also be able to detect small variations in the composition of the silicate minerals that make up the Moon. These valuable data could tell us where to find water, a vital element for sustaining life and future space travel. But the quest doesn’t stop at the LTM. The spaceship Lunar Trailblazeron which the LTM is installed, is also equipped with the High-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper (HVM3).
This instrument, designed to measure spectral fingerprints of the lunar landscape, will work in concert with the LTM to identify the shape, abundance and locations of water on the Moon. Together, these tools could not only confirm the presence of water, but also help us understand how it is transported and stored on the Moon’s surface.
Libby Jackson, head of space exploration at the UK Space Agency, points out that this mission is part of a wider priority to support initiatives that pave the way for new adventures in space. With a scheduled launch in 2024, the Lunar Trailblazer mission promises an exciting future in lunar exploration. And for the University of Oxford, it is further proof of its commitment to the scientific advances that shape our understanding of the universe.
A new race to the moon
Several nations, including the UNITED STATESthe Russia, india and the Japan, are stepping up their efforts to explore the Moon, each with their own ambitions and successes. There Chine stands out, having already succeeded in three moon landings, including Chang’e 5 which brought lunar samples back to Earth, and plans to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030. India, after the failure of Chandrayaan-2 , is betting on Chandrayaan-3 to strengthen its position as a space power. Russia has relaunched its lunar program with Luna 25, its first lunar mission in 47 years, while Japan is banking on the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) after a previous mission by a private company failed.
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