#regolith explorer

[visionautiks]

sampler

[aldocerandaz]

NASA a comenzado a organizar el día de los medios de laboratorio de muestras de Osiris-Rex en Houston

La NASA organiza el Día de los medios de laboratorio de muestras de OSIRIS-REx en Houston El equipo de conservación OSIRIS-REx de la NASA ensaya la apertura del recipiente de muestras de asteroides en el laboratorio de conservación OSIRIS-REx recién construido en el Centro Espacial Johnson Créditos: NASA Antes de que la primera muestra de asteroide recolectada por EE. UU. llegue a la Tierra en…

[oldkitty]

OSIRIS-REx Sample Return (NHQ202309240001) by NASA HQ PHOTO Via Flickr: The sample return capsule from NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission is seen shortly after touching down in the desert, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at the Department of Defense's Utah Test and Training Range. The sample was collected from the asteroid Bennu in October 2020 by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

"NASA is inviting the public to take part in virtual activities ahead of the OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer) asteroid sample return mission. Members of the public can register to attend the sample return virtually."

[aicollider]

You embark on a journey to Phobos. All inclusive

As you stand on the surface of Phobos, the larger of Mars’ two moons, you are struck by the desolate and eerie beauty that surrounds you. Phobos itself is a small, irregularly shaped body with a rocky and pockmarked surface. Its reddish-brown color reflects the sun’s light, giving it an otherworldly appearance. The moon’s surface is rugged and craggy, with deep crevices and steep cliffs. Looking…

[mindblowingscience]

Researchers have identified specific materials, including certain plastics, rubber, and synthetic fibers, as well as Martian soil (regolith), which would effectively protect astronauts by blocking harmful space radiation on Mars. These findings could inform the design of protective habitats and spacesuits, making long-duration Mars missions more feasible. Because Mars lacks Earth's thick atmosphere and magnetic field, astronauts exploring the planet would be exposed to dangerous levels of radiation.

Continue Reading.

[mysticstronomy]

WILL HUMANS EVER GO TO MARS??

Blog#417

Wednesday, July 10th, 2024.

Welcome back,

Mars has called to us since ancient times. To humans across the eons, the red-tinted speck glinting in the night sky has garnered special attention, with myths and legends wound around its possible ties to Earth. As we observed Mars with telescopes, this fondness graduated into a scientific fascination.

Within only about the last half century, as science has continued to advance, we gained the ability to land scientific instruments on the Red Planet. Beginning with the Viking probes in 1976 and continuing through the Perseverance rover and its flying companion, the Ingenuity helicopter drone, this robotic exploration has allowed humans to discover complex secrets of Mars.

But this is far from the end of our ambitions. Indeed, humans have planned crewed missions to Mars since at least as far back as the 1950s. Scientists and CEOs alike have crafted intricate ideas to establish a presence on the Red Planet, ranging from small-scale research outposts to major settlements. Elon Musk’s plans to put a million people on Mars stand as a particularly bold example.

Yet even with all the money and influence being poured into the goal of putting boot prints in the Martian regolith, there remain considerable doubts that we will ever actually get there. Between economic and ecological problems mounting here on Earth and the major challenges facing even the most basic mission to send humans to Mars, the impetus to spend the money necessary to fund such an initiative has ebbed with the political tides perhaps more so than any other space mission.

But the fascination remains, and the call of Mars is still as loud as it was to the futurists of the past. There seems to be something of a destiny in this call that makes it all but inevitable that humans will one day step down onto the surface of Mars, much as we once first stepped onto the surface of the Moon.

This history itself is instructive. In the earliest days of the Space Race, many people thought it inevitable that humans would one day set foot on the lunar surface, even if it took decades as opposed to the scant few years promised by visionaries like John F. Kennedy. But the illusion of inevitability is not proof of its existence in fact, as many failed predictions through history have shown.

Even the Moon landings were subject to faulty predictions. The New York Times’ 1920 declaration that rockets could not fly through space due to the lack of air comes readily to mind. Yet on July 21, 1969, two men from Earth stepped onto the surface of the Moon, proving all but the most determined doubters wrong. Will their spiritual successors at NASA and other space agencies one day follow suit on Mars? The first person to step on Mars likely walks among us now, and their moment in history may be coming soon.

Originally published on https://www.astronomy.com

COMING UP!!

(Saturday, July 13th, 2024)

"WHAT IS THE COLDEST PLANET IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM??"

[cosmicnovaflare]

a mix of Thai/Japanese/Chinese traditional clothing would look so cute in Cinder. The draped piece with sequins and embroidery from Thai dresses would look so pretty with Lunar details and moons and stars. actually all of these would look pretty on her with details of Luna

Yes, I love the concept! Thai/Cambodian clothing was the first thought I had when imagining non-aristocratic sectors of Luna before Wires and Nerve came out. Or even for some of the higher nobility that don’t participate in the aristocracy at all. I’d still imagine the palace with Nagara temple-style architecture (because Cypress Blackburn has a god complex and all) too if it weren’t for the beautiful art they had in Fairest (though Wires and Nerve ignored that too) but at least we can still speculate on the inner decorum. Hindu and Gaelic inspired interiors could still fit even if we include Wires and Nerve.

But yeah, now I want to focus a lot on what Lunar clothing could look like. Wouldn’t it be cool if tons of unique attire evolved over time throughout sectors outside of the capital? I won’t speculate on Artemisia too much since the nobles have and will take, appropriate, and throw away anything in the name of beauty, but what if there was a mining sector with traditions similar to Miao Silver? As Artemisia doesn’t seem to have a lack of anorthite, or compounds mixed with anorthite, perhaps this may be a tradition in one of the outer sectors.

If it takes place in a mining sector, imagine hair pieces, earrings, necklaces, pins, aglets, etc. made of Lunar Anorthosite that can be passed down throughout families. Not only would it look beautiful, but could you imagine the folklore behind it? Marissa didn’t drill in just how symbolic it is to have the royal crown be made of crystalline anorthosite. Anorthosite, the Genesis Rock. Rare on Earth, and likely the mineral that surrounds the outer walls of Artemisia Palace. The rock that was the final key to piecing together the formation of a celestial object 1/80th the size of the Earth, the rock that explained the evolution of the moon, and the first thing the majority of people think of when talking about the Apollo 15 mission!

If it is still unlikely that a mining sector would be allowed to keep any anorthosite, then maybe let’s speculate on regolith solidified by impact shockwaves. The dark grey/black would have a bold contrast with much of the building stone in the Capital. Maybe this could be a tradition in a sector that uses electrolysis to mine oxygen or water, a sector that uses fusion with helium 3, or even ra sector that explores the terrain outside of the domes that simply finds this regolith in areas with high meteor impacts.

[historysurvivalguide]

Touchdown! Alien Rock Returned from Billions of Miles Away!

After traveling billions of miles to Bennu and back, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft released its sample capsule toward Earth’s atmosphere at 6:42 a.m. EDT (4:42 a.m. MDT). The spacecraft was 63,000 miles (102,000 kilometers) from Earth’s surface at the time – about one-third the distance from Earth to the Moon.

Traveling at 27,650 mph (44,500 kph), the capsule pierced the atmosphere at 10:42 a.m. EDT (8:42 a.m. MDT), off the coast of California at an altitude of about 83 miles (133 kilometers). Within 10 minutes, it landed on the military range. Along the way, two parachutes successfully deployed to stabilize and slow the capsule down to a gentle 11 mph (18 kph) at touchdown

“The returned samples collected from Bennu will help scientists worldwide make discoveries to better understand planet formation and the origin of organics and water that led to life on Earth, as well as benefit all of humanity by learning more about potentially hazardous asteroids”

After years of anticipation and hard work by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security – Regolith Explorer) team, a capsule of rocks and dust collected from asteroid Bennu finally is on Earth. It landed at 8:52 a.m. MDT (10:52 a.m. EDT) on Sunday, in a targeted area of the Department of Defense’s Utah Test and Training Range near Salt Lake City.

Within an hour and a half, the capsule was transported by helicopter to a temporary clean room set up in a hangar on the training range, where it now is connected to a continuous flow of nitrogen.

Getting the sample under a “nitrogen purge,” as scientists call it, was one of the OSIRIS-REx team’s most critical tasks today. Nitrogen is a gas that doesn’t interact with most other chemicals, and a continuous flow of it into the sample container inside the capsule will keep out earthly contaminants to leave the sample pure for scientific analyses.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Measuring moon dust to fight air pollution

Moon dust, or regolith, isn't like the particles on Earth that collect on bookshelves or tabletops—it's abrasive and it clings to everything. Throughout NASA's Apollo missions to the moon, regolith posed a challenge to astronauts and valuable space hardware.

During the Apollo 17 mission, astronaut Harrison Schmitt described his reaction to breathing in the dust as "lunar hay fever," experiencing sneezing, watery eyes, and a sore throat. The symptoms went away, but concern for human health is a driving force behind NASA's extensive research into all forms of lunar soil.

The need to manage the dust to protect astronaut health and critical technology is already beneficial on Earth in the fight against air pollution.

Working as a contributor on a habitat for NASA's Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) program, Lunar Outpost Inc. developed an air-quality sensor system to detect and measure the amount of lunar soil in the air that also detects pollutants on Earth.

Originally based in Denver, the Golden, Colorado-based company developed an air-quality sensor called the Space Canary and offered the sensor to Lockheed Martin Space for its NextSTEP lunar orbit habitat prototype. After the device was integrated into the habitat's environmental control system, it provided distinct advantages over traditional equipment.

Rebranded as Canary-S (Solar), the sensor is now meeting a need for low-cost, wireless air-quality and meteorological monitoring on Earth. The self-contained unit, powered by solar energy and a battery, transmits data using cellular technology.

It can measure a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, methane, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, among others. The device sends a message up to a secure cloud every minute, where it's routed to either Lunar Outpost's web-based dashboard or a customer's database for viewing and analysis.

The oil and gas industry uses the Canary-S sensors to provide continuous, real-time monitoring of fugitive gas emissions, and the U.S. Forest Service uses them to monitor forest-fire emissions.

"Firefighters have been exhibiting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning for decades. They thought it was just part of the job," explained Julian Cyrus, chief operating officer of Lunar Outpost. "But the sensors revealed where and when carbon monoxide levels were sky high, making it possible to issue warnings for firefighters to take precautions."

The Canary-S sensors exemplify the life-saving technologies that can come from the collaboration of NASA and industry innovations.

IMAGE: While astronaut Gene Cernan was on the lunar surface during the Apollo 17 mission, his spacesuit collected loads of lunar dust. The gray, powdery substance stuck to the fabric and entered the capsule causing eye, nose, and throat irritation dubbed "lunar hay fever." Credit: NASA

[jiacast]

Moon Day

(All of my moon pics from my photo gallery)

On July 20, 2024, I set up Moon Base Alpha, a stable habitat for their lunar mission. I worked diligently to establish a secure living and working environment, ensuring all life support systems were functioning perfectly. I embarked on an exploration mission around the landing site, collecting samples of lunar regolith and rocks to uncover secrets about the moon's history.

The solar panel deployment was crucial for ensuring a sustainable power source, as it unfurled effortlessly, soaking up abundant sunlight. During my exploration, I discovered an unusual rock formation with crystalline structures, which could be a rare type of lunar mineral. Subsurface ice deposits were also discovered, providing a vital resource for water and oxygen.

Despite challenges, such as a communication glitch with Mission Control and the pervasive lunar dust, I was able to resolve the issue and re-establish contact. The pervasive lunar dust caused minor visibility issues and concerns about its impact on machinery. I will need to devise better strategies to mitigate its effects in the coming days.

As I settle into my sleeping pod, gazing out at the desolate beauty of the lunar surface, I am filled with a profound sense of wonder and gratitude. Today marked the beginning of my lunar adventure, and I'm eager to see what tomorrow holds. The moon holds many mysteries, and I'm here to uncover them, one small step at a time.

[nmsc-market-pulse]

The Impact of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) on Space Robotics and Autonomous System (Space RAS) Market: Mining and Manufacturing in Space

Introduction:

As humanity ventures further into space, the need for sustainable and efficient exploration has become increasingly apparent. In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is a critical technology that addresses this need by enabling the extraction and use of local resources from celestial bodies.

This approach not only reduces the dependence on Earth-based supplies but also significantly impacts the development and application of Space Robotics and Autonomous System (Space RAS) Market.

This article delves into the influence of ISRU on space robotics, focusing on the mining and manufacturing processes that are transforming space exploration.

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Introduction to In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) involves utilizing resources found on celestial bodies—such as the Moon, Mars, or asteroids—rather than transporting all necessary materials from Earth. ISRU technologies include mining, processing, and manufacturing materials directly in space, which can drastically reduce mission costs and enhance the sustainability of long-term space operations.

The Role of Space Robotics in ISRU

Space robotics play a pivotal role in the implementation of ISRU technologies. Robotic systems are essential for conducting the complex and often hazardous tasks involved in resource extraction and processing. The impact of ISRU on space robotics can be categorized into several key areas:

Inquire before buying: https://www.nextmsc.com/space-robotics-and-autonomous-system-space-ras-market/inquire-before-buying

1. Development of Specialized Mining Robots

ISRU requires the development of specialized mining robots capable of operating in harsh extraterrestrial environments. These robots are designed to perform tasks such as drilling, excavation, and sample collection. Key considerations for these robots include:

Adaptability: Mining robots must be adaptable to various terrains and environmental conditions, from the rocky surface of Mars to the icy regolith of the Moon. Advanced mobility systems inspired by nature and robust design features are crucial for overcoming these challenges.

Autonomy: Given the communication delays between Earth and distant celestial bodies, mining robots must be highly autonomous. They need to operate independently, make real-time decisions, and adjust their operations based on environmental feedback.

2. Integration of Resource Processing Systems

In addition to mining, ISRU involves processing extracted materials to make them usable. Space robotics are essential for integrating and operating resource processing systems, including:

Resource Refinement: Robots are used to refine raw materials extracted from celestial bodies. This may involve crushing, heating, or chemical processing to obtain valuable resources such as water, oxygen, and metals.

Manufacturing Components: Processed materials can be used to manufacture components for space habitats, spacecraft, and other infrastructure. Robotic systems capable of 3D printing and assembling parts from in-situ resources are increasingly important for building sustainable space operations.

3. Enhancing Mission Sustainability and Efficiency

ISRU-driven space robotics contribute to mission sustainability and efficiency by:

Reducing Payload Mass: By utilizing resources on-site, the mass of payloads transported from Earth can be significantly reduced. This allows for more efficient use of spacecraft launch capacity and decreases mission costs.

Enabling Longer Missions: Access to local resources supports longer-duration missions by providing essential supplies such as water and oxygen, and by facilitating the construction of habitats and other infrastructure.

Technological Innovations in ISRU-Related Space Robotics

Several technological innovations are driving the development of space robotics for ISRU applications:

1. Advanced Drilling Technologies

Innovations in drilling technologies are crucial for efficient resource extraction. Developments include:

Drill Design: Space drills are designed to penetrate and extract materials from diverse substrates, including loose regolith and hard rock. Recent advancements focus on improving drill efficiency and reliability in low-gravity and vacuum environments.

Autonomous Operation: Advanced sensors and AI algorithms enable drilling robots to autonomously identify resource-rich areas and optimize drilling parameters, reducing the need for human intervention.

2. In-Situ Resource Processing Units

Processing units are essential for converting raw materials into usable forms. Innovations include:

Regolith Processing: Technologies for processing lunar and Martian regolith to extract valuable minerals and produce construction materials are under development. This includes methods for converting regolith into metal alloys and other useful compounds.

Water Extraction: Systems for extracting water from the lunar or Martian soil or ice deposits are being refined. This involves advanced techniques for sublimating and purifying water to make it suitable for consumption and other uses.

3. 3D Printing and Manufacturing Systems

3D printing technologies are transforming how components are manufactured in space:

Material Synthesis: 3D printers designed for space applications can use ISRU-derived materials to produce parts and tools. This capability reduces reliance on Earth-supplied materials and supports the construction of habitats and equipment in space.

On-Demand Production: The ability to print components on demand enables rapid adaptation to changing mission needs and repair of damaged equipment, enhancing mission flexibility and resilience.

Case Studies and Real-World Applications

1. NASA’s Regolith Excavation and Processing

NASA has been developing technologies for regolith excavation and processing for lunar missions. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and upcoming Artemis missions will use robotic systems to explore and extract lunar regolith, which can be processed to produce oxygen and construction materials.

2. Mars Rover Missions

The Mars rovers, such as Curiosity and Perseverance, are equipped with advanced instruments for analyzing Martian soil and rocks. Future missions will integrate ISRU technologies to test and demonstrate resource extraction and processing capabilities on Mars.

3. Asteroid Mining Projects

Private companies and space agencies are exploring asteroid mining as a potential source of valuable resources. Robotic spacecraft are being designed to land on asteroids, extract materials, and return samples to Earth or process them in space for future use.

Challenges and Future Directions

While ISRU holds great promise, several challenges need to be addressed:

1. Technological and Engineering Challenges

Developing reliable and efficient mining and processing robots for space requires overcoming significant engineering challenges. These include designing systems that can operate in extreme temperatures, low gravity, and high radiation environments.

2. Cost and Resource Allocation

Investing in ISRU technologies and space robotics requires substantial financial resources. Balancing the cost of development with the potential benefits is a critical consideration for space agencies and commercial entities.

3. Legal and Regulatory Considerations

The use of extraterrestrial resources raises legal and regulatory questions, including property rights and resource ownership. Addressing these issues is essential for ensuring that ISRU activities are conducted in a manner that is fair and sustainable.

Conclusion

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is transforming the landscape of space exploration by enabling the extraction and use of local resources. Space robotics play a crucial role in this transformation, driving advancements in mining, processing, and manufacturing technologies. By leveraging the power of ISRU, space missions can become more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective.

As the Space Robotics and Autonomous Systems (Space RAS) market continues to evolve, the integration of ISRU technologies will play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of space exploration. By addressing current challenges and capitalizing on technological innovations, space robotics will pave the way for a new era of exploration and development in the cosmos.

[entheognosis]

The team wants to first send a mission called SphereX (not to be confused with NASA’s Earth-orbiting SPHEREx mission) to explore the lunar lava tubes and collect lunar regolith (loose rock and dirt). A team of robots would deploy from a nearby lander, hop or fly into the tubes, and then form a relay, transferring images and data back to the lander. SphereX could teach researchers about the lava tubes’ layout, temperature, and geological makeup, to guide the design process for what would be the first structure built on the moon.

“What we envision is taking one of the existing pits—just the opening into the lava tube—and installing an elevator shaft,” Thanga says. From there, the elevator shafts would function as the entry and exit to a series of 32 cryopreservation modules. These upright cylinders, stacked in 16 rows, would preserve the reproductive cells. Robots or astronauts would be able to check samples in petri dishes in and out, “like a library,” Thanga says.

The storage modules would need cryogenic coolers to maintain the cells at the right temperatures: –292 degrees Fahrenheit for reproductive cells, and –320 degrees Fahrenheit for stem cells. And they would require a spinning apparatus that uses centrifugal force to keep the freezers in motion and prevent the cells from clumping together and building up cold spots. “The setup would be similar to a carousel shelving unit with music CDs packed into a circle,” Thanga says.

[merelygifted]

1st look at asteroid Bennu samples suggests space rock may be 'a fragment of an ancient ocean world' | Space

'We're going to be busy for a long, long time. This is an enormous amount of sample for us.’

Scientists are now inspecting snagged, bagged and tagged bits and pieces from asteroid Bennu, the cosmic mother lode delivered by NASA's Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security — Regolith Explorer mission.

Known in acronymic astro-speak as OSIRIS-REx, that seven-year-long voyage brought home the goods via a sample return canister that came to full stop on Sept. 24, 2023, parachuting into a remote stretch of the Department of Defense's Utah Test and Training Range. Those specimens from afar are believed to contain the leftovers from the formation of the solar system 4.5 billion years ago.

Space.com caught up with two leading scientists now engaged in extracting what those darkish asteroid particles are illuminating, sorting out how these materials exported from Bennu came to be. But also what insights they hold for the origin of the worlds within our solar system, including Earth.  ...

[spacenutspod]

5 Min Read Why is Methane Seeping on Mars? NASA Scientists Have New Ideas Filled with briny lakes, the Quisquiro salt flat in South America’s Altiplano region represents the kind of landscape that scientists think may have existed in Gale Crater on Mars, which NASA’s Curiosity Rover is exploring. Credits: Maksym Bocharov The most surprising revelation from NASA’s Curiosity Mars Rover — that methane is seeping from the surface of Gale Crater — has scientists scratching their heads. Living creatures produce most of the methane on Earth. But scientists haven’t found convincing signs of current or ancient life on Mars, and thus didn’t expect to find methane there. Yet, the portable chemistry lab aboard Curiosity, known as SAM, or Sample Analysis at Mars, has continually sniffed out traces of the gas near the surface of Gale Crater, the only place on the surface of Mars where methane has been detected thus far. Its likely source, scientists assume, are geological mechanisms that involve water and rocks deep underground. If that were the whole story, things would be easy. However, SAM has found that methane behaves in unexpected ways in Gale Crater. It appears at night and disappears during the day. It fluctuates seasonally, and sometimes spikes to levels 40 times higher than usual. Surprisingly, the methane also isn’t accumulating in the atmosphere: ESA’s (the European Space Agency) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, sent to Mars specifically to study the gas in the atmosphere, has detected no methane. Why do some science instruments detect methane on the Red Planet while others don’t? “It’s a story with a lot of plot twists,” said Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity’s project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, which leads Curiosity’s mission. Methane keeps Mars scientists busy with lab work and computer modeling projects that aim to explain why the gas behaves strangely and is detected only in Gale Crater. A NASA research group recently shared an interesting proposal. Reporting in a March paper in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, the group suggested that methane — no matter how it’s produced — could be sealed under solidified salt that might form in Martian regolith, which is “soil” made of broken rock and dust. When temperature rises during warmer seasons or times of day, weakening the seal, the methane could seep out. Led by Alexander Pavlov, a planetary scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, the researchers suggest the gas also can erupt in puffs when seals crack under the pressure of, say, a rover the size of a small SUV driving over it. The team’s hypothesis may help explain why methane is detected only in Gale Crater, Pavlov said, given that’s it’s one of two places on Mars where a robot is roving and drilling the surface. (The other is Jezero Crater, where NASA’s Perseverance rover is working, though that rover doesn’t have a methane-detecting instrument.) Pavlov traces the origin of this hypothesis to an unrelated experiment he led in 2017, which involved growing microorganisms in a simulated Martian permafrost (frozen soil) infused with salt, as much of Martian permafrost is. Pavlov and his colleagues tested whether bacteria known as halophiles, which live in saltwater lakes and other salt-rich environments on Earth, could thrive in similar conditions on Mars. The microbe-growing results proved inconclusive, he said, but the researchers noticed something unexpected: The top layer of soil formed a salt crust as salty ice sublimated, turning from a solid to a gas and leaving the salt behind. Permafrost on Mars and Earth “We didn’t think much of it at the moment,” Pavlov said, but he remembered the soil crust in 2019, when SAM’s tunable laser spectrometer detected a methane burst no one could explain. “That’s when it clicked in my mind,” Pavlov said. And that’s when he and a team began testing the conditions that could form and crack hardened salt seals. Pavlov’s team tested five samples of permafrost infused with varying concentrations of a salt called perchlorate that’s widespread on Mars. (There’s likely no permafrost in Gale Crater today, but the seals could have formed long ago when Gale was colder and icier.) The scientists exposed each sample to different temperatures and air pressure inside a Mars simulation chamber at NASA Goddard. Periodically, Pavlov’s team injected neon, a methane analog, underneath the soil sample and measured the gas pressure below and above it. Higher pressure beneath the sample implied the gas was trapped. Ultimately, a seal formed under Mars-like conditions within three to 13 days only in samples with 5% to 10% perchlorate concentration. This is a sample of mock Martian regolith, which is “soil” made of broken rock and dust. It’s one of five samples that scientists infused with varying concentrations of a salt called perchlorate that’s widespread on Mars. They exposed each sample to Mars-like conditions in the Mars simulation chamber at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The brittle clumps in the sample above show that a seal of salt did not form in this sample because the concentration of salt was too low. NASA/Alexander Pavlov This image is of another sample of mock Martian “soil” after it was removed from the Mars simulation chamber. The surface is sealed with a solid crust of salt. Alexander Pavlov and his team found that a seal formed after a sample spent three to 13 days under Mars-like conditions, and only if it had 5% to 10% perchlorate salt concentration. The color is lighter in the center where the sample was scratched with a metal pick. The light color indicates a drier soil underneath the top layer, which absorbed moisture from the air as soon as the sample was removed from the simulation chamber, turning brown. NASA/Alexander Pavlov That’s a much higher salt concentration than Curiosity has measured in Gale Crater. But regolith there is rich in a different type of salt minerals called sulfates, which Pavlov’s team wants to test next to see if they can also form seals. Curiosity rover has arrived at a region believed to have formed as Mars’ climate was drying. Improving our understanding of methane generation and destruction processes on Mars is a key recommendation from the 2022 NASA Planetary Mission Senior Review, and theoretical work like Pavlov’s is critical to this effort. However, scientists say they also need more consistent methane measurements. SAM sniffs for methane only several times a year because it is otherwise busy doing its primary job of drilling samples from the surface and analyzing their chemical makeup. In 2018, NASA announced that the Sample Analysis at Mars chemistry lab aboard the Curiosity Rover discovered ancient organic molecules that had been preserved in rocks for billions of years. Findings like this one help scientists understand the habitability of early Mars and pave the way for future missions to the Red Planet.Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight CenterDownload this video in HD formats from NASA Goddard’s Scientific Visualization Studio “Methane experiments are resource intensive, so we have to be very strategic when we decide to do them,” said Goddard’s Charles Malespin, principal investigator for SAM. Yet, to test how often methane levels spike, for instance, would require a new generation of surface instruments that measure methane continuously from many locations across Mars, scientists say. “Some of the methane work will have to be left to future surface spacecraft that are more focused on answering these specific questions,” Vasavada said. By Lonnie ShekhtmanNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. Share Details Last Updated Apr 22, 2024 Contact Lonnie Shekhtman lonnie.shekhtman@nasa.gov Location Goddard Space Flight Center Related Terms Curiosity (Rover) Goddard Space Flight Center Mars Mars Exploration Program Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Missions NASA Directorates Planetary Science Division Science Mission Directorate The Solar System

[theexclusivestory]

10 Fascinating Facts about the Moon

About 4.5 billion years ago, when Earth was still very young, something big happened. A huge object, possibly as big as Mars, crashed into Earth. This collision was so powerful that it sent a lot of debris flying into space. Over time, this debris came together and formed what we now call the moon. This event didn't just create the moon; it also changed how Earth developed.

The Moon's Formation

Scientists believe the moon came into being about 4.5 billion years ago, not long after Earth was formed. According to a widely accepted idea called the giant impact hypothesis, a huge object about the size of Mars smashed into early Earth. This colossal collision sent a lot of debris flying into space, eventually forming the moon. This event was significant because it not only gave birth to the moon but also played a big role in shaping how Earth evolved over time.

Why do We Always See the Same Side of Earth?

The moon is really interesting because it spins at the same speed it orbits Earth. This means we always see the same side of it from here. It's like it's locked in place, which scientists call "tidal locking." The side we can't see from Earth is called the "far side" or "dark side." We didn't get to see it until spaceships went there in the 1900s.

Lunar Phases

The moon looks different in the sky as it moves around the Earth each month. Sometimes it appears as a small curve, then it gets bigger until it looks like a full circle, and then it gets smaller again. These changes happen because of how the sun, Earth, and moon are positioned. When the sun shines on different parts of the moon, we see different shapes or phases. Long ago, people used these changes in the moon to know when to plant crops and when certain events would happen. It helped them keep track of time and plan their lives.

Exploring the Origins and Nature of Lunar Maria

The dark, flat spots you see on the moon are called lunar maria, which means "seas" in Latin. But don't let the name fool you—they're not actually filled with water. Instead, they're old volcanic plains that formed a long time ago from volcanic eruptions. These areas look darker because they're made of solidified lava that came from inside the moon.

Understanding the Impact of Space Rocks on the Moon's Surface

The moon's surface is covered in lots of holes called craters. These craters are formed when rocks from space, like meteoroids, asteroids, or comets, crash into the moon. Some of these craters are small, like little dents, while others are huge, like the South Pole-Aitken basin, which is one of the biggest and oldest craters in the whole solar system. Scientists study these craters to learn how often rocks from space hit planets and what happens when they do. It helps us understand more about how planets are affected by these collisions.

How Space Debris and Radiation Shaped the Moon's Regolith

On the moon, there's no protective layer like Earth's atmosphere. So, over billions of years, space debris and radiation have pounded its surface, creating a dusty layer called regolith. Regolith is made up of tiny bits of dust, rocks, and debris from space crashes and weathering.

The Temperature Challenges Faced by Astronauts on the Moon

On the moon, it gets really hot during the day, reaching more than 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). But at night, it gets super cold, dropping to about -173 degrees Celsius (-280 degrees Fahrenheit). This big difference between day and night shows how tough it is for astronauts when they go there.

The Surprising Volcanic History of the Moon

While many people think the moon doesn't have much going on geologically, there's evidence suggesting otherwise. It seems that volcanic activity happened on the moon for billions of years after it formed. This volcanic activity created large areas covered in lava, rounded hills called volcanic domes, and cone-shaped formations known as lunar pyroclastic deposits.

Even though the moon's volcanic activity has slowed down a lot, recent discoveries hint that some volcanic processes might still be happening, just much slower than before. This shows that the moon, despite its quiet appearance, still has some geological surprises up its sleeve.

The Discovery of Water on the Moon and Its Implications for Future Space Exploration

For a long time, scientists thought the moon had no water at all. But now, new research has found that there are actually some water molecules on the moon's surface. This is a big deal because it means we might be able to use that water in the future. It could help astronauts who live on the moon by providing them with water to drink and use for other things. Also, it could be used to make fuel for spacecraft that travel to other places in space. So, finding water on the moon opens up a lot of exciting possibilities for exploring and living in space.

Lunar Mysteries

Even though people have been studying and exploring the moon for a long time, it still keeps scientists curious because there are things we don't fully understand about it. Some of these mysteries include strange patterns on the moon's surface called lunar swirls, temporary changes in its appearance known as transient lunar phenomena, and what the inside of the moon is made of. Scientists are working hard to solve these puzzles because figuring them out will help us know more about the moon's history, what it's like now, and how it fits into the universe.

Conclusion

The moon is a fascinating object in the sky that has been around for a very long time. It's full of interesting stories and is very beautiful to look at. Scientists believe it was formed a really long time ago, just like Earth. The moon has played a big part in how our planet looks and behaves. We've learned a lot about the moon over time, but there's still so much we don't know. That's what makes it so exciting to study facts about the moon! By using science and sending spacecraft to explore it, we're getting closer to understanding its secrets. Each new thing we find out helps us learn more about our closest neighbor in space.

FAQs

What is unique about a moon? The Moon is a special object that orbits around Earth. It's the only natural thing in space that revolves around our planet. It stays about 239,000 miles away from Earth, which is really far. What's interesting is that the Moon and Earth are like best friends in space—they're so close that they're always especially facing each other.

Which is older sun or moon? The Sun is a bit older than us, around 4.6 billion years old according to our best sources. Earth is about 4.54 billion years old. As for the Moon, it's approximately 4.53 billion years old.

Is the Sun 400 times bigger than the Moon? Even though the Sun is much bigger than the Moon, it's also much farther away. Surprisingly, this makes them look almost the same size in the sky. When there's a total solar eclipse, the Moon moves right in front of the Sun and almost completely covers it up.

Is Pluto bigger than the Moon? Pluto is much smaller than Earth's Moon, being only about two-thirds of its size. Scientists think it has a solid center made of rock, covered by a layer of frozen water. The surface of Pluto is coated with icy substances like methane and nitrogen. Because Pluto is not very dense, it's much lighter than Earth's Moon, only about one-sixth of its mass.