The Lunar Ice Discovery Initiative
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The Carnegie Mellon Field Robotics Center |
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The Icebreaker Lunar Ice Discovery Initiative intends to conduct a robotic
ground investigation of the southern polar region of the Moon. Searching
for water ice and performing geological studies of the lunar south pole
will provide essential information on the presence and distribution of
resources necessary to support human habitation and a base for
deep-space missions (such as water, fuel and propellant components, and
potential construction materials) as well as for fundamental scientific
investigation. Icebreaker proposes an academic, commercial and
government partnership, to create economical, multi-dimensional
missions. to the Moon's surface. More: [ Proposed Mission | Timeline ]
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| Proposed Mission | |||||||||||||||||
 Icebreaker Artist's Conception |
Icebreaker is a proposed mission to explore the
south pole of the Moon. Icebreaker's goals are to
gather scientific data, to conduct exploratory traversals
of the surrounding terrain, to measure the prospects for
long-term human presence at the poles, and to gather
imagery for public enjoyment. Icebreaker would continue the work of Lunar Prospector, determining the nature of the hydrogen it detected, be it water ice, solar wind protons, or other. If water is found, Icebreaker data will determine its origin and begin to characterize its distribution. If the hydrogen's source is not water, Icebreaker will collect data to determine its true origin. In addition, Icebreaker will roam the polar landscape, collecting geologic data and exploring hills, valleys and craters to enhance our scientific knowledge of a region never before explored. If water and other useful resources are found on the poles, humans will likely inhabit them in the future. Easily accessible water ice deposits will be catalogued and the ice distribution will be determined to prepare for in-situ resource utilization. Icebreaker data may allow scientists to derive the location and quantity of minerals and metals for future mining and space construction operations. Icebreaker will also search for potential outpost and landing site locations. Finally, Icebreaker seeks to create commercial and educational opportunities stemming from public interest in a return to the Moon's surface. Find out more in our paper presented at Space Manufacturing 1999.
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This is a general outline of upcoming activities.
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Last modified: $Date: 1999/09/08 18:43:01 $