Amazon Quiz: Lunar __ is a mission investigating lunar water and geology and is part of NASA’s SIMPLEx program. Fill in the blanks
Wanderer
Trailblazer
Explorer
Sojourner
Answer: Trailblazer
The Lunar Trailblazer was selected in 2019 and comes under NASA’s Small, Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration program. It is led by Principal Investigator Bethany Ehlmann of Caltech and the aim of the mission is to place advanced infrared sensors in orbit to spatially and temporally characterize lunar water and cold traps.
It tries to determine the form, abundance, and distribution of water on Mars and the nature of the lunar water cycle. This information is vital in understanding how volatiles are delivered in the Earth-Moon system and helps in planning future explorations.
In their press release, the American space agency noted “This SIMPLEx mission bolsters our portfolio of targeted science missions designed to test pioneering technologies while reducing overall costs using new streamlined processes.”
Meanwhile, Ehlmann said “We’re excited to help answer big planetary science questions with a small satellite by making the new maps of water on the Moon”, adding, “Given the importance of water on the Moon for future robotic and human missions, Lunar Trailblazer will provide critical basemaps to guide future exploration.”
Lori Glaze, director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division at its Washington headquarters, said “Lunar Trailblazer will vastly advance our understanding of water cycles on airless bodies like the Moon”, adding, “By measuring both direct light and low levels of terrain-scattered light, Lunar Trailblazer will generate comprehensive maps of surface water ice, even in the Moon’s darkest regions.”
Amazon Quiz: What amongst these is a famous event of this sport in the world?
Amazon Quiz: This famous temple complex is known for the Hall of __ Pillars. Fill in the blanks
