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 Patrick Vallance 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.
The Lunar Thermal Mapper being worked on at Oxford University. Credit: Department of Physics, University of Oxford.
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.
