Researchers From University Of Bern Switzerland Make Breakthrough That May Lead To Answer For ‘Lunar Paradox’: Dominant Theory Of Moon Formation Does Not Explain Identical Isotropic Properties Of Moon & Earth; By Utilizing Different Geometry Of Collisions Than Previously Simulated, Considering New Impact Configurations / ‘Hit & Run Theory’, Researchers Coming Close To Matching Constraints From Earth-Moon System
Image Credit: University Of Bern Switzerland
Miniaturized Spacecraft Have Been Successful In LEO Missions Costing +- US$300,000, Lunar Missions Could Be Accomplished For +-US$3M With Upgrades In Power, Protection From Extreme Radiation / Thermal Environment; UC Berkeley / UCSC Prposing CubeSat Probes For Impact Mission Into Lunar Swirls; GLXP Missions Will Provide Ample Opportunity For LunarCube Missions For Student / Faculty Teams
Image Credit: KARI, GLXP, Vermont Tech
UC Structural Engineer Yu Qiao Receives US$135,000 Award From NASA To Continue Research On ‘Lunar Cement’; Qiao & Team Developed Polymer Intercalation / Exfoliation (PIE) Cements That Mix Organic Nanointerphases (Prepared On & Transported From Earth) With Lunar Regolith; Processing Is Water Free, Straightforward, Great Potential In Building Large-Scale Structures On Moon
Image Credit: Contour Crafting, ucsd.edu
Abstracts For 11-15 Nov 2012 PISCES Conference On Hawaii Island Due 21 Sep; International Scientists, Government Leaders, Entrepreneurs Will Evaluate Recent Developments In PISCES Vision To Establish Terrestrial Prototype For International, Extraterrestrial Research Park On Hawaii Island; Breakout Sessions To Discuss Revolutionary Surface Technologies, Establish Strategic Partnerships To Enable / Expedite Robotic & Human Missions To Moon, Mars, Beyond
Image Credit: PISCES, usgs.gov
Lyman Alpha Mapping Project (LAMP) Spectrometer Aboard LRO Makes 1st Spectroscopic Observations Of Helium In Tenuous Lunar Atmosphere; LAMP Examined Ultraviolet Emissions In An Observation Campaign Spanning Over 50 Orbits; Measurements Confirmed Data From 1972 LACE Experiment Deployed By Apollo 17 (L); Next Question: Does Helium Originate From Inside Moon, Or External Sources?
Image Credit: NASA
Scientists From China, USA & Europe Focusing On Theme ‘Changing Perspectives & New Questions’, 6-10 Aug In Beijing China ; Organized By Chinese Academy Of Sciences, Workshop Will Encompass All Aspects Of Moon / Mars Science From Geophysics / Geology To Aeronomy & Solar Wind Interactions; Discussions On Science Questions That Motivate Missions, Rather Than Details Of Spacecraft Investigations
Image Credit: CNSA, CSA, NASA
Lunar Exploration Analysis Group Annual Meeting, 22-24 Oct 2012, To Highlight How Moon Is Necessary Stepping Stone For Mars, Jupiter, Rest Of Solar System, Presentations On Science Objectives, Robotic Human Exploration Strategies / Technologies, Commercial Opportunities, Education & Outreach; Contributed Abstracts Should Be Centered On Plans For Next Decade Of Lunar Exploration
Image Credit: LPI, LEAG, NASA
Now In Extended Mission, LROC has Mapped Entire Moon 33 Times, Each Map With Different Photometric Geometry; About Every Month Spacecraft Makes New Mosaics Of North & South Poles; Found Over 160 Lunar Caves With ‘Skylights’; Project Scientist Richard Vondrak Says LRO Is “Just Getting Started”; Pictured: Recent LROC Oblique View Of Giordano Bruno Crater (35.9°N 102.8°E), Download Video Of Crater Here
Image Credit: NASA
Chang’e-3 Moon Rover Will Utilize Nuclear Battery Which Could Last Up To 30 Years, Survive Cold Lunar Nights; Radar Payload Will Scan About 100 Meters Below Lunar Surface; Vehicle Will Hover 4m Above Moon Before Dropping To Surface; China Conducting Tests Of Next-Generation Engine For Long March 5 Rocket Critical For 3rd Stage Of Lunar Exploration Program, Including Chang’e-5 Sample Return
Image Credit: CNSA
LROC PI Mark Robinson Speculates Vast Lava Tubes May Be Present Under Lunar Surface Based On Kaguya, LRO Data; Such Caves Could Be Suitable Interim Shelters For Explorers; Scientists At Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Studying ‘Mini-Magnetospheres’, Magnetic Anomalies That Protect Areas Of Moon From Solar Wind; Data May Lead To Artificially Manipulated ‘Deflector Shields’
Image Credit: NASA, RAL