Lunar Field Geology Exploration Strategies for Astronauts

NASA has been directed to embark upon a new voyage of exploration that includes returning astronauts to the Moon. However, NASA has not explored another world with astronauts since 1972. The six Apollo lunar landing expeditions provide us with the only ground truth and experience for manned planetary exploration. It seems reasonable to assume that some of the guiding principles and lessons learned from Apollo will be useful to the planning of these new missions.

Apollo Approach: The Apollo astronauts received extensive geologic field training to insure maximum scientific gain and reduce risk to the EVA team. These field exercises proved to be invaluable and contributed greatly to the achievement of all lunar surface science objectives (including intelligent sample acquisition and documentation). These field based exercises were also useful in sharpening the skills and interaction of astronauts and the ground science teams. The Apollo astronauts felt that they had been too rigidly scheduled during their surface EVA's and recommended that this should change. They also stated that the crew should be “essentially autonomous” and have a more dynamic role in planning the mission.

21st Century Approaches: Technological developments since Apollo should be implemented into this next phase of manned lunar surface exploration. Some examples would include handheld spectrometers, hi resolution digital imaging systems, electronic field notebooks loaded with remote sensing datasets and maps, bar coded sample bags etc. Machine systems will also relieve astronauts of routine and hazardous tasks during EVA. Robotic and teleoperation systems should be designed to achieve an optimum mix of human and machine resources as safety, productivity, and cost effectiveness warrant. Results from recent field geology exercises testing various mission scenarios and strategies that will optimize the performance of the human-robotic partnership and maximize scientific return will also be reported on in this paper.