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Science Concepts
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Implementation
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(a)
Information Extraction
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(b)
Orbital Measurements
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(c)
Sample Return
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(d)
Landed Experiments, Instruments, and Rovers
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(e)
Human Fieldwork
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The science goals for each concept are discussed in detail in the text (see Chapter 3).
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An enabling new frame work for lunar exploration will be provided by data from SMART-1, SELENE, Chang’e, Chandrayaan-1, and LRO. The assumption is that all missions and key instruments will be successful.
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Orbital measurements are not included in the complement of missions planned for launch by 2008. The assumption is that the four missions planned will return appropriate data as planned; if not, new measurements that provide similar high-priority compositional and geophysical data need to be acquired.
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The types of returned samples and of science analyses required are identified.
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These include science measurements for/from landed sites; category also encompasses penetrators/impactors.
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Science areas that specifically benefit from human capabilities are identified.
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1. The bombardment history of the inner solar system is uniquely revealed on the Moon.
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Crater counts of benchmark terrain using high-resolution images.
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Targeted higher-resolution images of specific terrains.
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Sample return from the impact-melt sheet of SPA, from young basalt flows, and frombenchmark craters (e.g., Copernicus and Tycho).
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Development of insitu instrumentation for dating.
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Field observations provide critical geologic context; human interaction improves chances of obtaining best/most appropriate samples.
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2.The structure andcomposition of the lunar interior provide fundamental information on the evolution of a differentiated planetary body.
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Farside gravity. High-quality topographic information. Possible information on heat flow and magnetic sounding results.
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Relay orbiter for farside stations (e.g., relay of seismic data).
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Samples from the interior are important constraints on lunar geochemistry and geophysics (e.g., remanent magnetism).
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Simultaneous, globally distributed seismic and heat flow network. Expanded retroreflector network.
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Although some landed experiments can beemplaced autonomously, it is assumed that more capable sensors are possible with human guidance/assistance.
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3. Key planetary pro-cesses are manifested in the diversity of lunar crustal rocks.
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Detailed global elemental and mineralogical information in a spatial context. Search for and documentation of a diversity of rock types using returned samples and lunar meteorites. Perform high-resolution mapping of lunar crustal magnetic fields.
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Higher-spatial-resolution compositionaldata are desirable from priority targets. Relay orbiter for farside stations (e.g., relay of seismic data). Magnetic survey from 10 km orbit.
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Return samples from priority targets. Every return mission should include a bulk soil and a sieved sample with geologic documentation.
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Strategic site selection. Conduct in situ analyses and mineralogical and elemental characterization of the rocks and provide a thorough description of the geologic context. Determine thevertical structure using an active regional seismic network.
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Field observations provide critical geologic context; human interaction improves chances of obtaining best/most appropriate samples.
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