Advanced technology funded by the UK Space Agency began its
4-month journey to the Moon this morning, on board NASA's Lunar
Trailblazer mission.
The Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft, which weighs 200kg and is about
the size of a washing machine, aims to map the location and form
of water on the Moon. This will improve scientists' understanding
of lunar resources and support future missions, when astronauts
return to the lunar surface.
On board is the Lunar Thermal Mapper (LTM) –
a state-of-the-art thermal imaging camera developed by the
University of Oxford with £3.1 million funding from the UK Space
Agency and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
(DSIT).
Science Minister Sir said:
Backed by UK Government funding, this project could be key to
unlocking new insights into lunar water and in turn sustain
future missions and deep space exploration for generations to
come.
Space is a fast-growing global industry, and these investments
will generate important information to help grow the sector.
The LTM is designed to measure the surface temperature and the
various minerals that make up the lunar landscape, which is vital
information to help confirm the presence and location of water.
The instrument will work in tandem with NASA's High-resolution
Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper (HVM3)
to produce the most detailed maps of water on the Moon's surface
to date.
Neil Bowles, instrument scientist for LTM at Oxford University,
said:
The measurements of temperature will help confirm the presence of
the water signal in HVM3's measurements and the two instruments
will work together to map the composition of the Moon, showing us
details that have only been hinted at from previously.
The UK's role in Lunar Trailblazer demonstrates the importance of
collaboration in the space sector, and the significant space
expertise found in academic institutions across the country.
The Clarendon Lab at the University of Oxford, which includes the
Infrared Multilayer Laboratory, manufactured infrared filters for
the mission. Durham University manufactured the precision LTM
optics, mirrors, and pointing mirror. Cardiff University provided
long wave infrared mesh filters, essential for the Lunar Thermal
Mapper's ability to accurately measure the surface temperature
and composition of the Moon.
Lauren Taylor, Major Projects Lead at The UK Space Agency, said:
The UK Space Agency is thrilled to be a part of NASA's Lunar
Trailblazer mission. Our work with the University of Oxford to
develop the Lunar Thermal Mapper showcases the UK's leading role
in space exploration and scientific research.
This mission will provide invaluable data on the Moon's water
resources, supporting future human missions and enhancing our
understanding of the lunar environment.
UK companies also made significant contributions. From Ramp in
Yeovil providing coatings and paint, and Micro Systems in
Warrington manufacturing mechanical parts, to STFC RAL Space in
Harwell providing insulation and electronics.
Marie-Claire Perkinson, Chair of the Space, Science and
Exploration Committee at the UKspace trade association, said:
The launch of the UK Lunar Thermal Mapper instruments
demonstrates the capabilities of the UK academic community
working in collaboration with their industrial suppliers.
Once in orbit around the Moon, Lunar Trailblazer will cover the
surface 12 times a day and use its instruments to examine
features including the permanently shadowed craters at the Moon's
South Pole, which could contain significant quantities of water
ice.
Lunar Trailblazer launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket together
with Intuitive Machine's IM-2 spacecraft, which will attempt a
soft landing on the Moon next week.
The UK Space Agency is also funding the joint UK-Canada Aqualunar Challenge to
further our understanding of lunar water and its potential uses.
The Aqualunar Challenge focuses on developing innovative
technologies to purify water found on the Moon, which is crucial
for supporting future human missions. The winners will be
announced in March.
