Speaker
Description
The Earth-Moon-Mars (EMM) initiative, funded under Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and jointly coordinated by INAF, ASI, and CNR, aims to establish the Moon as a versatile platform for scientific research. Central to the project is the development of the Lunar Adaptive Outpost for Remote Italian Experiments (LAORIE), through which three advanced and highly specialized payloads—LEM-X, LUNAPOL, and LETO—will be delivered to the lunar surface to enable cutting-edge remote sensing and in-situ research.
Each payload is tailored to address specific scientific goals in astrophysics, Earth observation, and space environment characterization, jointly defining a complex framework of environmental, logistical, and engineering requirements.
LEM-X (Lunar Electromagnetic Monitor in X-rays) is an all-sky X-ray monitor employing the coded aperture imaging technique. Designed to detect high-energy transient phenomena, LEM-X requires an unobstructed field of view, stable thermal conditions, and protection from dust contamination. Uninterrupted power during day and night cycles enhances its scientific return.
LUNAPOL (LUNAr optical POLarimetry surveyor) is a polarimeter intended to map interstellar polarization across wide optical bands. This instrument demands highly stable pointing, low-vibration environments, and minimal optical interference from surface regolith or scattered light.
LETO (Lunar Earth Temperature Observatory) is a Fourier-transform infrared spectro-radiometer aimed at continuously monitoring Earth’s brightness temperature. Among the three, LETO imposes the most stringent constraints on Earth visibility from the landing site.
The mission is subject to a dual set of constraints. On the one side, the Moon poses an extreme and highly variable environment characterized by prolonged darkness, intense thermal cycling, micrometeorite flux, and ubiquitous regolith dust. These factors impose strict requirements on site selection, energy availability, thermal regulation, communication continuity, and resilience to long-duration autonomous operation. On the other side, each of the three scientific payloads imposes its own set of demanding specifications, including strict observational geometry, instrument stability, calibration needs, and Earth or Celestial visibility.
This contribution outlines the key mission requirements and their influence on the design of the hosting infrastructure (LAORIE), with particular focus on survivability during the lunar night and the integration of heterogeneous payload functionalities. Developing such a cohesive platform marks a significant advancement toward establishing the Moon as a strategic outpost for planetary and astrophysical research.
| Eligibility for "Best presentation for young researcher" or "Best poster for young researcher" prize | No |
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