Duration: 9 months
We propose a Lunar orbiter mission that will map the surface of the Moon - Máni in old Norse – in the highest spatial resolution ever and surpass the optical capabilities of the telescope to probe surface properties down to µm scales. By employing an exploration strategy based on multi-angular photometric mapping, we aim to provide sub-pixel information on the Lunar micro-texture down to µm scales, in addition to vastly improved elevation maps. The mapping we propose will facilitate and de-risk future exploration missions, initiate and enable new scientific investigations, and showcase the potential of using a photometric mapping approach for future exploration missions further into space. Notably, the improved quantification of the Lunar reflectance function this mission provides will also support Earth observations through their use of the Moon as a calibration source and improve terrestrial climate models by enabling better quantification of Earth’s albedo.
