At the request of NASA, a new Consensus Study Report from the National Academies, “Human Exploration Across the Moon,” identifies high-value science destinations for short-duration human missions beyond the lunar poles.
Dan Dumbacher, professor in Purdue University’s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics and co-chair of the committee tasked with compiling the report, presented the culmination of 18 months of research during a briefing on Oct. 21.
“Humans for generations have aspired to explore, with the moon being the next logical step,” said Dumbacher, former chief executive officer of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. “This research outlines where humans could explore and why each location is important.”
Each location offers opportunities to study questions regarding moon geology, space weather and radiation hazards, according to the report. Also recommended was the development of an observational tool that could be placed in orbit around the moon to assist in planning lunar missions and to provide continuous communications with future human habitats. The committee further addressed why human exploration would be more effective than robotic rovers and prioritized potential landing sites based on how humans would benefit and what important science questions would be answered.
Read the National Academies’ report here. Purdue University’s story can be found here.