UNITED STATES: In an official announcement, NASA has unveiled the elite team of geologists who will be at the forefront of planning the scientific exploration during the historic Artemis III lunar landing mission.
This mission, a pivotal part of NASA’s Artemis program, is poised to mark the first crewed lunar landing in over half a century and promises to revolutionize our understanding of the Moon and its geological history.
Led by principal investigator Dr. Brett Denevi from the renowned Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, the Artemis III Geology Team is composed of some of the brightest minds in the field. Dr. Denevi and her team have the responsibility of devising the geological science objectives and formulating the surface campaign for the Artemis III astronauts.
“Science is a cornerstone of the Artemis program,” emphasized Dr. Nicky Fox, NASA Science Associate Administrator.
“The Artemis III Geology Team will lead the planning for our return to the Moon’s surface, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and uncovering the secrets hidden in our celestial neighbor,” he added.
The team’s selection is a major step towards maximizing the scientific potential of Artemis III. Their collective expertise in lunar science operations, sample analysis, and operational adaptability positions them as the ideal candidates to ensure that the mission incorporates robust scientific exploration.
Dr. Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, highlighted the crucial role this team plays. “By establishing the Artemis III Geology Team, we are fortifying NASA’s lunar science program and paving the way for a robust lunar presence.”
The Artemis III Geology Team includes an impressive roster of researchers, including Dr. Lauren Edgar, Dr. Bradley Jolliff, Dr. Caleb Fassett, Dr. Dana Hurley, Dr. Gordon Osinski, Dr. Jennifer Heldmann, Dr. Jose Hurtado, Dr. Juliane Gross, Dr. Katherine Joy, Dr. Mark Robinson, and Dr. Yang Liu.
Their primary task will be to orchestrate the scientific activities during the astronauts’ moonwalks, encompassing field geology explorations, meticulous observations, and the collection of invaluable lunar samples, images, and scientific data.
Additionally, the team will play a pivotal role in real-time documentation and initial assessment of the scientific data gathered during the mission’s lunar operations.
Their extensive experience will enable them to analyze the data returned by the mission, including the vital task of examining and cataloging the first lunar samples collected by NASA since 1972.
Dr. Jim Free, Associate Administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, underscored the unprecedented opportunity the Artemis III Geology Team has.
“This team’s pioneering work with the lunar south pole samples could unravel new chapters in our understanding of the Solar System’s formation, guide forthcoming Artemis missions, and establish a prolonged lunar presence.”
Notably, the lunar south pole region from which samples will be collected contains some of the Moon’s oldest parts, estimated to be over 3.85 billion years old.
Insights gleaned from these samples hold the potential to illuminate fundamental planetary processes that extend throughout the solar system.
Moreover, the team’s findings could provide critical insights into the distribution, depth, and composition of ice at the Moon’s South Pole, with applications ranging from scientific knowledge to the potential utilization of lunar ice for life support systems and fuel.
Selected through an exhaustive dual-anonymous peer review process, the Artemis III Geology Team is equipped with a budget of $5.1 million to lead the geology efforts for Artemis III.
Their contributions will complement the wider Artemis Science Team, collaborating closely with Dr. Noah Petro, the Artemis III Project Scientist, and the NASA Artemis Internal Science Team.
As part of the groundbreaking Artemis program, Artemis III holds the promise of not only advancing lunar exploration but also fostering diversity and inclusivity by marking the first woman and person of color to set foot on the Moon.
The Artemis initiative is set to redefine our relationship with the Moon, prepare us for future Mars missions, and secure humanity’s place as explorers of the cosmos.
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