Three New Lunar Science Tools Selected by NASA for the Artemis Moon Missions

NASA has revealed that three innovative lunar science instruments will be sent to the Moon by 2028 as part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. These payloads are designed to measure radiation, map surface temperatures, and investigate subsurface heat flow, providing crucial data to inform future Artemis missions and enhance astronaut safety on the lunar surface.

“These missions will not only expand our knowledge about the Moon’s history and environment but will also inform future human safety and navigation on the Moon and beyond,” said Joel Kearns of NASA. American companies will deliver these instruments, which are expected to play a central role in understanding the Moon’s topography, thermal behavior, and radiation exposure.

3D Lunar Surface Thermal Mapping with EMILIA-3D

One of the key payloads, the Emission Imager for Lunar Infrared Analysis in 3D (EMILIA-3D), is designed to produce three-dimensional maps of the Moon’s surface temperature. Equipped with stereo cameras and an infrared imaging system, EMILIA-3D can analyze temperature variations in the lunar regolith, capturing detailed information about temperature distribution across different terrains. This high-resolution thermal mapping will help scientists and engineers better understand lunar surface conditions.

Investigating Lunar Radiation and Subsurface Heat Flow

To study heat flow beneath the lunar surface, NASA will deploy LISTER (Lunar Instrumentation for Subsurface Thermal Exploration with Rapidity). This payload will drill below the Moon’s surface at multiple locations, enabling scientists to reconstruct the Moon’s thermal evolution over time. Seiichi Nagihara notes, “By making measurements at different sites, we can piece together the Moon’s internal heat history.”

Additionally, the SELINE (Site-agnostic Energetic Lunar Ion and Neutron Environment) instrument will examine the lunar radiation environment at the surface. SELINE will detect galactic cosmic rays and neutrons generated in the lunar soil, providing vital information about space weather on the Moon. These insights are critical for planning astronaut safety measures and designing protective systems for long-duration lunar missions.

By combining data from EMILIA-3D, LISTER, and SELINE, NASA aims to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the Moon’s surface and subsurface environment. This integrated approach will support future Artemis missions, improve astronaut safety protocols, and enhance knowledge of lunar geology and environmental hazards.

The CLPS program reflects NASA’s commitment to leveraging commercial partnerships for advanced scientific exploration. By deploying these instruments by 2028, NASA is not only advancing lunar science but also preparing the groundwork for sustainable human presence on the Moon.