Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)
NASA’s Farside Seismic Suite, equipped with two seismometers, is set to gather the agency’s first seismic data from the Moon since the last Apollo program seismometers were in operation nearly 50 years ago. The suite, adapted from instruments used on NASA’s InSight Mars lander, is expected to arrive at the lunar surface in 2026.
Lunar Seismic Firsts
The Farside Seismic Suite (FSS) will not only provide the first seismic measurements from the far side of the Moon but also record the Moon’s seismic “background” vibration caused by micrometeorites. These measurements will help NASA better understand the current impact environment and the formation and evolution of the Moon and other rocky planets.
One interesting question that FSS aims to answer is why the Apollo instruments on the lunar near side detected little far-side seismic activity. Possible explanations include something in the Moon’s deep structure absorbing far-side quakes or simply fewer quakes occurring on the far side.
Mars-to-Moon Science
The Farside Seismic Suite’s two seismometers were adapted from the InSight designs and optimized for lunar gravity. The suite, which is self-sufficient and solar-powered, consists of the Very Broadband seismometer (VBB) and the Short Period sensor (SP). The VBB is incredibly sensitive, capable of detecting ground motions smaller than the size of a single hydrogen atom, while the SP measures motion in three dimensions.
Assembled and Tested
The Farside Seismic Suite was recently assembled at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and underwent rigorous environmental testing to simulate the conditions of space. The suite survived extreme temperatures, vacuum, and severe shaking mimicking launch conditions.
Future Trends and Predictions
The development and deployment of NASA’s Farside Seismic Suite mark a significant advancement in lunar exploration. The suite will gather valuable seismic data from the Moon, providing insights into the Moon’s internal activity, structure, and impact environment. This data will not only enhance our understanding of the Moon but also help us better comprehend the formation and evolution of rocky planets like Mars and Earth.
As we continue to explore the Moon and other celestial bodies, the demand for advanced scientific instruments and technologies will increase. The success of the Farside Seismic Suite will likely pave the way for more sophisticated instruments to study the Moon and other planets, enabling us to unravel complex planetary processes and develop a more comprehensive understanding of our solar system.
Additionally, the collaboration between NASA and international partners, such as the French space agency CNES and Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, demonstrates the importance of global cooperation in advancing scientific exploration. Future lunar and planetary missions are likely to see increased collaboration and exchange of expertise, leading to groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements.
Recommendations for the Industry
- Invest in the development of advanced scientific instruments: To continue pushing the boundaries of lunar and planetary exploration, it is crucial for the industry to invest in the development of increasingly sensitive and versatile scientific instruments. These instruments should be optimized for the unique conditions of different celestial bodies and capable of collecting valuable data.
- Promote international collaboration: The success of NASA’s Farside Seismic Suite highlights the benefits of international collaboration in scientific exploration. To accelerate progress and maximize resources, the industry should encourage partnerships and collaboration between space agencies and research institutions worldwide.
- Support research and development: Research and development initiatives focused on improving our understanding of celestial bodies and advancing space exploration technologies should be strongly supported. This can be achieved through increased funding, grants, and incentives for industry and academic institutions to engage in cutting-edge research.
- Embrace technological advancements: As new technologies emerge, the industry should embrace them and explore their potential applications in space exploration. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality have the potential to revolutionize scientific research and exploration, enhancing our capabilities and expanding our knowledge of the universe.
References
- NASA/JPL-Caltech. (n.d.). Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater). Retrieved from https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/preparations-for-next-moonwalk-simulations-underway-and-underwater