"Safe moon landings" - University of Reading technology holds the key
Last updated 26/06/2009 12:33:04
Safe moon landings - University of Reading technology holds the key
Scientists from the University of Reading have developed technology that will be key to ensuring safe moon landings in future space missions.
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) launched from Cape Canaveral, carried vital equipment designed and supplied by the University of Reading, which could help pave the way for a return to the moon by US astronauts.
The Reading team, led by Dr Gary Hawkins from the University's School of Systems Engineering, provided the miniature optics for the LRO's detectors which scan the terrain of the moon's surface.
The optics highlight hazardous landing areas on the moon by feeding back important information on the amount and type of rock in a particular place, identifying cold traps and potential ice deposits.
Funded by Oxford University, the University's Infrared Laboratory team designed and supplied the filters within nine months. Dr Hawkins said: "The development and successful fabrication of these high precision filters have demanded a unique combination of innovative techniques. We are delighted that our contribution is helping pave the way for future exploration."
Similar filters have been successfully plotting the climate of Mars on the Mars Climate Sounder for the past two years. They have built up daily global weather maps to show the basic variables of Martian weather such as temperature, pressure, humidity and dust density. This was highlighted by the forecast of a major dust storm in March within days.
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