University aboard NASA鈥檚 search for lunar volatiles
NASA has announced the selection of three new lunar surface science experiments as part of its Artemis III mission, including the Lunar Dielectric Analyzer, which will search for lunar ice and other volatiles with input from the University of 亚洲色吧鈥檚 Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources (ATCSR).
Photo credit: Nicolas Thomas
鈥淲e are excited to be directly involved in NASA鈥檚 quest to establish a long-term presence on the Moon,鈥 said Associate Professor John Culton, Director of the ATCSR.
鈥淭he Lunar Dielectric Analyzer (LDA) will measure the regolith鈥檚 ability to propagate an electric field, which is a key parameter in the search for lunar volatiles, especially ice.鈥
This LDA experiment will gather essential information about the structure of the Moon鈥檚 subsurface, monitor dielectric changes caused by the changing angle of the Sun as the Moon rotates, and look for possible frost formation or ice deposits.