Analyses of robotic traverses and sample sites in the Schrodinger basin for the HERACLES human-assisted sample return mission concept

作者：Steenstra Edgar S^*; Martin Dayl J P; McDonald Francesca E; Paisarnsombat Sarinya; Venturino Christian; O'Hara Sean; Calzada Diaz Abigail; Bottoms Shelby; Leader Mark K; Klaus Kurt K; van Westrenen Wim; Needham Debra H; Kring David A

来源：Advances in Space Research, 2016, 58(6): 1050-1065.

DOI：10.1016/j.asr.2016.05.041

• Schrodinger
• Moon
• Exploration
• Lunar
• Sample return mission

The International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) developed an integrated Global Exploration Roadmap (GER) that outlines plans for human-assisted sample return from the lunar surface in similar to 2024 and for human presence on the lunar surface in similar to 2028. Previous studies have identified the Schrodinger basin, situated on the far side of the Moon, as a prime target for lunar science and exploration where a significant number of the scientific concepts reviewed by the National Research Council (NRC, 2007) can be addressed. In this study, two robotic mission traverses within the Schrodinger basin are proposed based on a 3 year mission plan in support of the HERACLES human-assisted sample return mission concept. A comprehensive set of modern remote sensing data (LROC imagery, LOLA topography, M-3 and Clementine spectral data) has been integrated to provide high -resolution coverage of the traverses and to facilitate identification of specific sample localities. We also present a preliminary Concept of Operations (ConOps) study based on a set of notional rover capabilities and instrumental payload. An extended robotic mission to the Schrodinger basin will allow for significant sample return opportunities from multiple distinct geologic terrains and will address multiple high -priority NRC (2007) scientific objectives. Both traverses will offer the first opportunity to (i) sample pyroclastic material from the lunar farside, (ii) sample Schrodinger impact melt and test the lunar cataclysm hypothesis, (iii) sample deep crustal lithologies in an uplifted peak ring and test the lunar magma ocean hypothesis and (iv) explore the top of an impact melt sheet, enhancing our ability to interpret Apollo samples. The shorter traverse will provide the first opportunity to sample farside mare deposits, whereas the longer traverse has significant potential to collect SPA impact melt, which can be used to constrain the basin-forming epoch. These robotic missions will revalidate existing lunar surface capabilities and pioneer new ones and, thus, provide important precursor results for subsequent human missions to the lunar surface.

• 出版日期2016-9-15