CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
NASA's Lunar Trailblazer, a compact satellite designed to explore lunar water, has begun its mission to study one of the Moon's most critical resources. Launched on February 26th aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, this orbiter will investigate the presence, form, and distribution of water in the Moon's cold, shadowed regions. With its high-resolution maps of lunar water, the mission will provide vital information to support future human and robotic exploration, playing a key role in sustainable space travel and lunar resource use.
Key Features
Mission Goals
Chart the distribution and composition of water on the Moon.
Study how lunar water changes over time and with temperature variations.
Enhance knowledge of water cycles on airless celestial bodies.
Advanced Scientific Tools
Lunar Trailblazer is equipped with two primary instruments:
HVM3 (High-Resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper) - This tool detects and maps mineral and water spectral signatures. It was developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
LTM (Lunar Thermal Mapper) - Designed to map thermal properties and minerals, this instrument was created by the University of Oxford and funded by the UK Space Agency.
Journey to the Moon
Weighing 440 pounds (200 kg) and measuring 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) wide, the satellite is traveling to the Moon using a low-energy transfer path that takes advantage of the gravitational pull of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. The expected travel time is between 4 to 7 months after the launch.
Exploration of the Moon’s South Pole
The satellite will explore permanently shadowed craters at the Moon’s South Pole, using faint light reflections to detect possible frozen water deposits. These ice reserves could be pivotal for future lunar missions, offering potential resources for exploration.
Cost-Effective, High-Risk Mission
Part of NASA's SIMPLEx (Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration) program, Lunar Trailblazer is a low-cost, high-risk initiative with minimal oversight. It allows for valuable scientific research that might otherwise be too expensive to undertake.
Future Benefits and Applications
The data gathered will help identify water sources that could support astronaut needs, such as drinking water, oxygen, and fuel. It will also contribute to future lunar habitation efforts and robotic missions, improving the understanding of how water behaves in space environments.
Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT 2023, NEET 2023, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main 2023 application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.
For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board
For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section
For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section
For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section
For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section
