An overview will be given of the research progress over the last 2.5 years of the Lunar University Network for Astrophysics Research (LUNAR).
LUNAR, a consortium of top research institutions led by the University of Colorado, is performing research, education, outreach, and community development to advance science from the Moon. Members of LUNAR are addressing some of the fundamental questions about the cosmos from the Moon including gravitational physics, cosmology, and heliophysics.
The following areas of astrophysics, planetary science and exploration science are covered:
(1) Low frequency cosmology and astrophysics:
The LUNAR team is examining the scientific case for future radio
telescopes in lunar orbit or on the lunar surface. Technology
development is under way for a lunar radio array with a large number
of receiver antennas, so that antennas with high sensitivity and small
mass are a key requirement. A concept has also been developed for a
lunar orbiting mission designed to track the impact of the first stars
and black holes during the Dark Ages and the Cosmic Dawn of the
Universe.
(2) Radio heliophysics:
The LUNAR team is examining the role of
low-frequency radio observations of the heliosphere from the surface
of the Moon in determining how the Sun accelerates particles to high
energy. This includes using existing radio observations from the two
STEREO spacecraft, and optimizing the design of a lunar surface solar
imaging radio array at frequencies <10 MHz.
(3) Gravitational physics and lunar structure:
An enduring legacy of Apollo is the Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) package
that has been used to test alternate theories to General Relativity
and to probe the nature of the lunar core. The LLR key project of the
LUNAR team is addressing the design, fabrication and emplacement of
the next generation of retro-reflectors for the Moon.
(4) Exploration science:
The LUNAR team, in collaboration with Lockheed-Martin, is devising
strategies for early robotic exploration and deployment of radio
arrays on the lunar farside using teleoperation from the Orion Crew
Module. The LUNAR team is working with Honeybee Robotics to develop a
gas-assisted drill tool to thermally anchor next-generation
retroreflectors to the lunar regolith. LUNAR team members have also
developed superconducting bearings and mirrors fabricated from lunar
simulant cement for future telescopes.