While the surface of the moon has been well-documented with cameras onboard several satellite missions, relatively little is known about the presence and nature of subsurface cavities. In volcanic areas of the lunar maria, planetary geologists have identified pits that could be related to the collapse of cavities such as lava tubes – where lava once flowed under the lunar surface.
Francesco Sauro, director of ESA’s PANGAEA planetary geology astronaut training, said, "Exploring and mapping these tubes could provide new information about the Moon’s geology, but they could also be an interesting option as long-term shelter for future human visitors to the moon."
To shape future expeditions to explore lunar caves, ESA is seeking ideas for missions with specific scientific objectives. Beyond the ability to access, navigate and map the caves, proposed concepts could include a communication line between a system inside a cave and the outside world, and instruments that make scientifically relevant measurements of the cave environment.
"They would shield astronauts from cosmic radiation and micrometeorites and possibly provide access to icy water and other resources trapped underground," Sauro added.
"Mission concepts may be based on a single rover or a distributed system of satellite, robotic or rover systems that operate together. Either way, we are looking for systems that would land on the lunar surface, identify and access a cave and contribute to the scientific exploration of the moon," explained Loredana Bessone, who is leading the hunt for ideas as head of analogue field testing and exploration training at ESA.
ESA’s Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP) provides individuals and businesses with the opportunity to collaborate with ESA experts and contribute to the future of space research. It is run through Discovery & Preparation, which lays the groundwork for ESA’s short-to-medium-term future activities.
Got an innovative idea? Get in contact with the ESA where a number of ideas Campaigns and Channels are awaiting proposals.
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