Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter LRO

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Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO)

• Heather Weir
• NASA-GSFC/SSAI
• August 9, 2006

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Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO)
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission
emphasizes the overall objective of obtaining
data that will facilitate returning humans safely
to the Moon and enable extended stays.
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Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
LOLA (Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter) - uses a
laser to measure topography, slope, and surface
roughness. It will provide a precise global lunar
topographic model and geodetic grid that will
serve as the foundation of this essential
understanding. LROC (Lunar Reconnaissance
Orbiter Camera) - includes both the wide angle
camera and narrow angle camera that will image
the surface of the Moon. It is designed to
address the measurement requirements of landing
site certification and polar illumination CRaTER
(Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of
Radiation) uses plastics that simulate human
tissue to study the potential effect of cosmic
rays on humans. It will characterize the global
lunar radiation environment as well as its
biological impacts.
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Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
DLRE (Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment) maps
absolute day/night temperatures of the entire
lunar surface. It will be measuring lunar
surface temperatures at scales that provide
essential information for future surface
operations and exploration. LAMP uses UV
radiation from starlight to search for ice and
frost in the Moon's permanently shadowed regions.
LEND (Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector)
detects neutrons from the lunar surface to see
the distribution of hydrogen. It will provide
measurements, create maps, detecting possible
near-surface water ice deposits. Mini-RF
provides high resolution radar images of the Moon
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Planned LRO Orbit