Artist’s concept of Artemis astronaut deploying equipment on the moon
NASA
NASA has chosen the initial scientific experiment that astronauts will take to the moon for the Artemis III mission. The mission, scheduled for 2026, will mark the return of humans to the moon following Apollo 17 in 1972.
The first of the three scientific instruments is called Lunar Effects on Agricultural Flora (LEAF). During this experiment, astronauts will cultivate plants on the lunar surface to observe their photosynthesis and growth abilities, as well as their response to the challenges of low gravity and cosmic radiation.
Though plants have been grown in space before, this experiment will provide insight into the complete growth cycle of plants on the moon, if successful.
The second experiment is the Lunar Environmental Monitoring Station (LEMS). This small seismometer will monitor lunar earthquakes near the moon’s south pole to help researchers study the subsurface structure of the area.
The last instrument, the Lunar Dielectric Analyzer (LDA), will measure the soil’s conductivity. By tracking frost accumulation and soil changes as the sun moves across the moon, LDA can provide valuable information for future missions.
“These three chosen instruments will kickstart scientific research on the Moon to achieve important science objectives for Mars,” quoted NASA’s Pam Melroy in a statement. The Artemis mission aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, paving the way for manned Mars missions in the future.
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Source: www.newscientist.com
