The Lunar Prospector Discovery mission: Mission and measurement description
Journal Article
·
· IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Moffett Field, CA (United States). Ames Research Center
- Lunar Research Inst., Gilroy, CA (United States)
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
Lunar Prospector, the first competitively selected planetary mission in NASA`s Discovery Program, is described with emphasis on the radiation spectrometer instrumentation and anticipated scientific data return. Scheduled to be launched in January 1998, the mission will conduct a one year orbital survey of the Moon`s composition and structure. The suite of five instruments are outlined: neutron spectrometer, alpha particle spectrometer, gamma-ray spectrometer, electron reflectometer and magnetometer. Scientific requirements and measurement approach to detect water/ice to a sensitivity of 50 ppm (hydrogen), measure key elemental constituents, detect radioactive gas release events and accurately map the Moon`s gravitational and magnetic fields are given. A brief overview of the programmatic accomplishments in meeting a tightly constrained schedule and budget is also provided.
- OSTI ID:
- 624235
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-971147--
- Journal Information:
- IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science Journal Issue: 3Pt1 Vol. 45; ISSN 0018-9499; ISSN IETNAE
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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