Lunar Field Exploration Scenarios for Three Sorties

Purpose: The work reported here responds to the need to provide the Constellation Program Office Lunar Surface Systems Project with science requirements for lunar surface system architecture and metrics for lunar surface system operations, and to do so in a way that addresses lunar science goals, as most recently stated by the Lunar Exploration Working Group (LEAG) [1]. In response, the Surface Science Scenarios Working Group (chaired by Laurie Leshin) of the NASA HQ Outpost Science and Exploration Working Group (OSEWG) is attempting to develop science-driven lunar surface activity scenarios utilizing a small of lunar scientists with combined expertise for planning and executing lunar field studies on scales ranging from tens to hundreds of kilometers [2,3,4]. Here, we are reporting the planning of 3 representative science objective-driven Apollo J scale (10 km radius) sortie missions to sites of potentially high science yield to supplement outpost activity [2]. The sites include Marius Hills, Nectaris Basin Edge, and Olivine Hill. Approach and Methodology: NASA has considered a variety of exploration strategies for the return to the Moon, ranging from an outpost model 'in the middle of nowhere' from a science standpoint, but potentially allowing for field exploration of progressively greater duration and mobility, to variable duration sor-ties involving landing at sites of particular scientific interest. Local scale (Apollo J mission) sorties require careful advance planning and a degree of luck to select an optimal site to 'sample' a particular feature. Con-textual to regional scale field studies significantly enhance what is learned locally, while providing flexibility and enhancing insight into major science questions using carefully selected sites. We plan extended routes using standard field geology methodologies. Our preliminary reconnaissance is based on assessment of digital remote data and inter-pretive maps. Stations for study are located at representative or anomalous deposits represent formations or terranes and at contacts and local outcrops illustrating underlying structures. Such exposures would be likely to occur at boulders, distinctive, fresh deposits, and at or near the walls of craters or volcanic structures. In Situ surveying and sampling, including sub-surface sampling, techniques, would be used. Regolith samples would represent underlying bedrock composition. Scenarios are asuumed to include 4 astronauts operating out of 2 unpressurized rovers for 1 week, performing 4 8 hour EVAs each. Rover speed and field operations are assumed to occur at the same pace indicated in the Apollo Surface Log [5]. Scenarios scientific merit is considered in …