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Mapping the Moon – Lunar Mapping and Modeling Project

Data from LRO and LCROSS will be made available to the exploration and science communities through LPRP’s Lunar Mapping and Modeling Project.

Global map of the albedo from the 750-nanometer filter of the /Clementine/ UV-VIS camera. This is the nearside of the Moon, shown in Lambert equal-area projection. Note the familiar appearance of the maria; the fresh, rayed crater near bottom center is Tycho (see slide #7 ).   This view has been sub-sampled to a resolution of about 1 kilometer per pixel, about 5 times lower than the full-resolution data.

As LRO and LCROSS retrieve important new data about the Moon, the Lunar Mapping and Modeling Project will integrate that new data with existing information to develop highly detailed surface maps of topography and resource distribution and computer models of radiation and sunlight levels on the lunar surface. Decisions about lunar outpost designs require detailed information on terrain, obstacles, lighting, resources and temperatures.

From Lunar Orbiter 4

This new data will help mission planners ensure safe landings, orchestrate sorties (exploratory excursions), and plan for solar panel and other requirements at outpost locations. By utilizing information from historical missions, the upcoming Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, and international lunar missions, tools will be developed to aid NASA’s Constellation program in planning for habitat development and location, power system development, resource utilization and other engineering activities.