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ian crawford

Birkbeck College, University of London, Department Earth and Planetary Sciences, Faculty Member

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I don't maintain these Academia pages and recommend that anyone interested in my work visits either my ResearchGate page (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ian_Crawford) or my university homepage (http://www.bbk.ac.uk/geology/our-staff/ian-crawford).

My research activities mostly lie in the fields of planetary science (especially lunar science and exploration), and astrobiology (the search for life in the Universe). I have long had an interest in the future of space exploration, and am convinced that space exploration and development will prove to be of central importance for the future of humanity.

I came to planetary science from an earlier career in observational astronomy, during which I conducted studies of the interstellar medium.

Full details are available here: http://www.bbk.ac.uk/geology/our-staff/ian-crawford

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Charalampos Vasilatos

National & Kapodistrian University of Athens

Jayjit Majumdar

University of Kalyani

Alexander C . T . Geppert

New York University

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Emmanuel T Rodulfo

De La Salle University

Armando Marques-Guedes

UNL - New University of Lisbon

Columbia University

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Rimi B Chatterjee

Jadavpur University

Lund University

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Papers by ian crawford

The Moon as a Recorder of Nearby Supernovae

Springer eBooks, 2017

The lunar geological record is expected to contain a rich record of the Solar System's galactic e... more The lunar geological record is expected to contain a rich record of the Solar System's galactic environment, including records of nearby (i.e. ≤ a few tens of parsecs) supernova explosions. This record will be composed of two principal components: (i) cosmogenic nuclei produced within, as well as radiation damage to, surface materials caused by increases in the galactic cosmic ray flux resulting from nearby supernovae; and (ii) the direct collection of supernova ejecta, likely enriched in a range of unusual and diagnostic isotopes, on the lunar surface. Both aspects of this potentially very valuable astrophysical archive will be best preserved in currently buried, but nevertheless near-surface, layers that were directly exposed to the space environment at known times in the past and for known durations. Suitable geological formations certainly exist on the Moon, but accessing them will require a greatly expanded programme of lunar exploration.

3D Printing on the Moon: Challenges and Opportunities

3D Printing on the Moon: Challenges and Opportunities Conference or Workshop Item How to cite: Li... more 3D Printing on the Moon: Challenges and Opportunities Conference or Workshop Item How to cite: Lim, Sungwoo; Anand, Mahesh; Cowley, Aidan; Crawford, Ian; Doule, Ondrej; Harkness, Patrick; Kanamori, Hiroshi; Maurer, Matthias; Montano, Giuseppe; Osborne, Barnaby; Patrick, Richard; Rousek, Tomas; Taylor, Lawrence and Vibha, Vibha (2015). 3D Printing on the Moon: Challenges and Opportunities. In: International Symposium on Moon 2020 2030: A new era of coordinated human and robotic exploration, 15-16 Dec 2015, ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

Ultra-High Resolution C a l l Observations of the LISM

We report on the status of a long-term program of mapping the velocity structure of the local ISM... more We report on the status of a long-term program of mapping the velocity structure of the local ISM using ultra-high resolution observations of Call K-line absorption towards nearby B and A-type stars. Absorption components common to the local interstellar cloud (LIC) have been detected in many (but not all) linesof-sight. Our preliminary results indicate that the local ISM has a complex velocity pattern of inhomogeneous absorption, indicative of a shocked filamentary nature.

Geochemical Analysis and Possible Launch Sites of Lunar Breccias Miller Range 090036 and Miller Range 090070

Introduction: Lunar meteorites, which were ejected from the surface as result of impact events, a... more Introduction: Lunar meteorites, which were ejected from the surface as result of impact events, are an important source of lunar material in addition to the Apol-lo and Luna samples. Here we report the bulk element composition, mineral chemistry analysis and petrogra-phy of the Miller Range (MIL) 090036 and 090070 lunar meteorites, found during the 2009-2010 ANSMET field season in Antactica [1]. MIL 090036 and 090070 are both feldspathic rego-lith breccias consisting of mineral fragments and lithic clasts in a glassy matrix [2,3,4,5]. Differences in mafic minerals and KREEPy components indicate that these meteorites are not paired [6]. Analytical methods: We were allocated two chips of MIL 090036,34 and MIL 090070,35 (200 mg each) and two polished thick sections mounted in epoxy resin blocks. 150 mg of each chip were powdered and bulk major, minor and trace element chemistries were determined using a inductively coupled plasma spectrometer: ICP-AES was used for major elements and IC...

Exploring the Moon in the 21st century

Astronomy and Geophysics, 2006

Big history and the cosmic perspective

Astronomy & Geophysics, 2018

Astronomy from the Moon: the next decades

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 2020

Direct Exoplanet Investigation Using Interstellar Space Probes

Handbook of Exoplanets, 2017

Experience in exploring our own solar system has shown that direct investigation of planetary bod... more Experience in exploring our own solar system has shown that direct investigation of planetary bodies using space probes invariably yields scientific knowledge not otherwise obtainable. In the case of exoplanets, such direct investigation may be required to confirm inferences made by astronomical observations, especially with regard to planetary interiors, surface processes, geological evolution, and possible biology. This will necessitate transporting sophisticated scientific instruments across interstellar space, and some proposed methods for achieving this with flight-times measured in decades are reviewed. It is concluded that, with the possible exception of very lightweight (and thus scientifically limited) probes accelerated to velocities of ~0.1c with powerful Earth-based lasers, achieving such a capability may have to wait until the development of a space-based civilization capable of leveraging the material and energy resources of the solar system.

Constraining the source regions of lunar meteorites using orbital geochemical data

Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 2015

Lunar meteorites provide important new samples of the Moon remote from regions visited by the Apo... more Lunar meteorites provide important new samples of the Moon remote from regions visited by the Apollo and Luna sample return missions. Petrologic and geochemical analysis of these meteorites, combined with orbital remote sensing measurements, have enabled additional discoveries about the composition and age of the lunar surface on a global scale. However, the interpretation of these samples is limited by the fact that we do not know the source region of any individual lunar meteorite. Here, we investigate the link between meteorite and source region on the Moon using the Lunar Prospector gamma ray spectrometer remote sensing data set for the elements Fe, Ti, and Th. The approach has been validated using Apollo and Luna bulk regolith samples, and we have applied it to 48 meteorites excluding paired stones. Our approach is able broadly to differentiate the best compositional matches as potential regions of origin for the various classes of lunar meteorites. Basaltic and intermediate Fe regolith breccia meteorites are found to have the best constrained potential launch sites, with some impact breccias and pristine mare basalts also having reasonably well-defined potential source regions. Launch areas for highland feldspathic meteorites are much less well constrained and the addition of another element, such as Mg, will probably be required to identify potential source regions for these.

Why we should build a Moon village

Astronomy & Geophysics

Who Speaks for Humanity?

Astrobiology: Science, Ethics and Public Policy, 2021

Future astrobiological activities and discoveries, along with other human activities in the trans... more Future astrobiological activities and discoveries, along with other human activities in the transnational domain of outer space, will require the development of political institutions able legitimately to speak for humanity as a whole. I identify a range of possibilities, including the formation of a world space agency and a strengthening of the UN system; but I argue that ultimately the logic points in the direction of bringing space exploration within the remit of a federal world government, the creation of which would also be desirable for other reasons. Although, at present, humanity lacks a sufficiently strong sense of global community for the formation of strong global political institutions, I argue that the cosmic and evolutionary perspectives provided by astrobiology and related disciplines can help lay the psychological foundations on which such institutions may be built.

Widening perspectives: the intellectual and social benefits of astrobiology (regardless of whether extraterrestrial life is discovered or not)

International Journal of Astrobiology, 2017

Astrobiology is usually defined as the study of the origin, evolution, distribution and future of... more Astrobiology is usually defined as the study of the origin, evolution, distribution and future of life in the Universe. As such it is inherently interdisciplinary and cannot help but engender a worldview infused by cosmic and evolutionary perspectives. Both these attributes of the study of astrobiology are, and will increasingly prove to be, beneficial to society regardless of whether extraterrestrial life is discovered or not.

Moon-NEXT: A Proposed ESA Lunar Lander Mission Selected for Phase-A Study

This paper describes the scientific rationale for ESA's Moon-NEXT mission, which has recently... more

Lunar science with affordable small spacecraft technologies: MoonLITE and Moonraker

Planetary and Space Science, 2008

Returning to the Moon has been advocated by a large number of international planetary scientists ... more Returning to the Moon has been advocated by a large number of international planetary scientists in order to answer several key scientific questions. The UK also has an active lunar science community keen to support (robotic) lunar exploration missions. However, for several years these interests have been eclipsed by the drive to Mars. Recently there is a renewed global interest in the Moon demonstrated by the Vision for Space Exploration in the USA, the evolving Global Exploration Partnership, and new lunar missions from Europe, Japan, China, India and the USA. The ESA Aurora programme may also broaden its focus to embrace the Moon as well as Mars-realizing that the risks associated with many of the major technical challenges that are faced by Mars missions could be reduced by relatively inexpensive and timely lunar technology tests. Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) and Surrey Space Centre (SSC) have been preparing a 'smallsat' approach [

Characterisation of potential landing sites for the European Space Agency's Lunar Lander project

Planetary and Space Science, 2012

This article describes the characterization activities of the landing sites currently envisaged f... more This article describes the characterization activities of the landing sites currently envisaged for the Lunar Lander mission of the European Space Agency. These sites have been identified in the South Pole Region (-85° to-90° latitude) based on favourable illumination conditions, which make it possible to have a long-duration mission with conventional power and thermal control subsystems, capable of enduring relatively short periods of darkness (in the order of tens of hours), instead of utilising Radioisotope Heating Units. The illumination conditions are simulated at the potential landing sites based on topographic data from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA), using three independent tools. Risk assessment of the identified sites is also being performed through independent studies. Long baseline slopes are assessed based on LOLA, while craters and boulders are detected both visually and using computer tools in Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) images, down to a size of less than 2 m, and size-frequency distributions are generated. Shadow hazards are also assessed via LROC images. The preliminary results show that areas with quasi-continuous illumination of several months exist, but their size is small (few hundred metres); the duration of the illumination period drops quickly to less than one month outside the areas, and some areas present gaps with short illumination periods. Concerning hazard distributions, 50 m slopes are found to be shallow (few degrees) based on LOLA, whereas at the scale of the lander footprint (~5 m) they are mostly dominated by craters, expected to be mature (from geological context) and shallow (~11°). The preliminary conclusion is that the environment at the prospective landing sites is within the capabilities of the Lander design.

Spatially resolved optical spectroscopy of the Herbig Ae/Vega-like binary star HD 35187

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 1998

We report on observations of the young binary system HD 35187 (SAO 77144). For the first time, we... more We report on observations of the young binary system HD 35187 (SAO 77144). For the first time, we have obtained spatially resolved optical spectra of the individual stars. Analysis of their effective temperatures indicates that the stars have spectral types of A2 (HD 35187B) and A7 (HD 35187A). Analysis of the H Balmer line indicates a luminosity class V for both stars. At the time of these observations, net H emission was present only towards HD 35187B. However, there is evidence that the photospheric H line in HD 35187A has been 'filled in' relative to its expected strength in an A7 star, so this star may also be associated with some process leading to H emission. Moreover, both stars exhibit absorption in the He I 5876 line well in excess of that expected for their spectral types. Comparison with earlier observations reveals that both the H and He I lines are variable, so both stars are 'active' in some sense. We suggest that the variable He I absorption detected towards both stars is a result of chromospheric activity, and is not necessarily related to the circumstellar environment. We find tentative evidence for a narrow Ca K circumstellar absorption line and excess redshifted absorption of the Na D line profiles in the spectrum of HD 35187B, both of which are absent in the spectrum of HD 35187A. The heliocentric radial velocity of the presumed circumstellar Ca K line (ǹ54.5 km s 21) is similar to that of redshifted circumstellar absorption lines previously identified in IUE spectra of this star, and the velocity range of the Na D absorption precisely matches that of the UV circumstellar components. Moreover, by placing the stars on the HR diagram (with the aid of the reliable Hipparcos distances) we find evidence that HD 35187B is dimmed by about 0.4 mag of grey circumstellar extinction. The detection of net H emission, circumstellar absorption lines, and significant circumstellar extinction for HD 35187B suggests that it has far more mass in its circumstellar environment than its companion, and that the observed IR excess of this system originates from a disc surrounding HD 35187B alone.

Lunar Net—a proposal in response to an ESA M3 call in 2010 for a medium sized mission

Experimental Astronomy, 2011

Emplacement of four or more kinetic penetrators geographically distributed over the lunar surface... more Emplacement of four or more kinetic penetrators geographically distributed over the lunar surface can enable a broad range of scientific exploration objectives of high priority and provide significant synergy with planned orbital missions. Whilst past landed missions achieved a great deal, they have not included a far-side lander, or investigation of the lunar interior apart from a very small area on the near side. Though the LCROSS mission detected water from a permanently shadowed polar crater, there remains in-situ confirmation, knowledge of concentration levels, and detailed identification of potential organic chemistry of astrobiology interest. The planned investigations will also address issues relating to the origin and evolution of the Earth-Moon system and other Solar System planetary bodies. Manned missions would be enhanced with use of water as a potential in-situ resource; knowledge of potential risks from damaging surface Moonquakes, and exploitation of lunar regolith for radiation shielding. LunarNet is an evolution of the 2007 LunarEX proposal to ESA (European Space Agency) which draws on recent significant advances in mission definition and feasibility. In particular, the successful Pendine full-scale impact trials have proved impact survivability for many of the key technology items, and a penetrator system study has greatly improved

Volcano-Ice Interaction as a Microbial Habitat on Earth and Mars

Astrobiology, 2011

Volcano-ice interaction has been a widespread geologic process on Earth that 12 continues to occu... more Volcano-ice interaction has been a widespread geologic process on Earth that 12 continues to occur to the present day. The interaction between volcanic activity 13 and ice can generate substantial quantities of liquid water, together with steep 14 thermal and geochemical gradients typical of hydrothermal systems. 15 Environments available for microbial colonization within glaciovolcanic systems 16 are wide-ranging and include the basaltic lava edifice, subglacial caldera 17 meltwater lakes, glacier caves, and subsurface hydrothermal systems. There is 18 widespread evidence of putative volcano-ice interaction on Mars throughout its 19 history and at a range of latitudes. Therefore, it is possible that life on Mars may 20 have exploited these habitats, much in the same way as has been observed on 21

The MoonNEXT mission: A European lander at the lunar South Pole

The scientific case for renewed human activities on the Moon

Space Policy, 2004

It is over thirty years since the last human being stood on the lunar surface, and I will argue t... more It is over thirty years since the last human being stood on the lunar surface, and I will argue that this long hiatus in human exploration has been to the detriment of lunar and planetary science. The primary scientific importance of the Moon lies in the record it preserves of the early evolution of a terrestrial planet, and of the near-Earth cosmic environment in the first billion years or so of Solar System history. This record may not be preserved anywhere else, and I will argue that gaining proper access to it will require a human presence. Moreover, while this will primarily be a task for the geosciences, I will argue that the astronomical and biological sciences would also benefit from a renewed human presence on the Moon, and especially from the establishment of a permanently occupied scientific outpost.

The Moon as a Recorder of Nearby Supernovae

Springer eBooks, 2017

The lunar geological record is expected to contain a rich record of the Solar System's galactic e... more The lunar geological record is expected to contain a rich record of the Solar System's galactic environment, including records of nearby (i.e. ≤ a few tens of parsecs) supernova explosions. This record will be composed of two principal components: (i) cosmogenic nuclei produced within, as well as radiation damage to, surface materials caused by increases in the galactic cosmic ray flux resulting from nearby supernovae; and (ii) the direct collection of supernova ejecta, likely enriched in a range of unusual and diagnostic isotopes, on the lunar surface. Both aspects of this potentially very valuable astrophysical archive will be best preserved in currently buried, but nevertheless near-surface, layers that were directly exposed to the space environment at known times in the past and for known durations. Suitable geological formations certainly exist on the Moon, but accessing them will require a greatly expanded programme of lunar exploration.

3D Printing on the Moon: Challenges and Opportunities

3D Printing on the Moon: Challenges and Opportunities Conference or Workshop Item How to cite: Li... more 3D Printing on the Moon: Challenges and Opportunities Conference or Workshop Item How to cite: Lim, Sungwoo; Anand, Mahesh; Cowley, Aidan; Crawford, Ian; Doule, Ondrej; Harkness, Patrick; Kanamori, Hiroshi; Maurer, Matthias; Montano, Giuseppe; Osborne, Barnaby; Patrick, Richard; Rousek, Tomas; Taylor, Lawrence and Vibha, Vibha (2015). 3D Printing on the Moon: Challenges and Opportunities. In: International Symposium on Moon 2020 2030: A new era of coordinated human and robotic exploration, 15-16 Dec 2015, ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

Ultra-High Resolution C a l l Observations of the LISM

We report on the status of a long-term program of mapping the velocity structure of the local ISM... more We report on the status of a long-term program of mapping the velocity structure of the local ISM using ultra-high resolution observations of Call K-line absorption towards nearby B and A-type stars. Absorption components common to the local interstellar cloud (LIC) have been detected in many (but not all) linesof-sight. Our preliminary results indicate that the local ISM has a complex velocity pattern of inhomogeneous absorption, indicative of a shocked filamentary nature.

Geochemical Analysis and Possible Launch Sites of Lunar Breccias Miller Range 090036 and Miller Range 090070

Introduction: Lunar meteorites, which were ejected from the surface as result of impact events, a... more Introduction: Lunar meteorites, which were ejected from the surface as result of impact events, are an important source of lunar material in addition to the Apol-lo and Luna samples. Here we report the bulk element composition, mineral chemistry analysis and petrogra-phy of the Miller Range (MIL) 090036 and 090070 lunar meteorites, found during the 2009-2010 ANSMET field season in Antactica [1]. MIL 090036 and 090070 are both feldspathic rego-lith breccias consisting of mineral fragments and lithic clasts in a glassy matrix [2,3,4,5]. Differences in mafic minerals and KREEPy components indicate that these meteorites are not paired [6]. Analytical methods: We were allocated two chips of MIL 090036,34 and MIL 090070,35 (200 mg each) and two polished thick sections mounted in epoxy resin blocks. 150 mg of each chip were powdered and bulk major, minor and trace element chemistries were determined using a inductively coupled plasma spectrometer: ICP-AES was used for major elements and IC...

Exploring the Moon in the 21st century

Astronomy and Geophysics, 2006

Big history and the cosmic perspective

Astronomy & Geophysics, 2018

Astronomy from the Moon: the next decades

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 2020

Direct Exoplanet Investigation Using Interstellar Space Probes

Handbook of Exoplanets, 2017

Experience in exploring our own solar system has shown that direct investigation of planetary bod... more Experience in exploring our own solar system has shown that direct investigation of planetary bodies using space probes invariably yields scientific knowledge not otherwise obtainable. In the case of exoplanets, such direct investigation may be required to confirm inferences made by astronomical observations, especially with regard to planetary interiors, surface processes, geological evolution, and possible biology. This will necessitate transporting sophisticated scientific instruments across interstellar space, and some proposed methods for achieving this with flight-times measured in decades are reviewed. It is concluded that, with the possible exception of very lightweight (and thus scientifically limited) probes accelerated to velocities of ~0.1c with powerful Earth-based lasers, achieving such a capability may have to wait until the development of a space-based civilization capable of leveraging the material and energy resources of the solar system.

Constraining the source regions of lunar meteorites using orbital geochemical data

Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 2015

Lunar meteorites provide important new samples of the Moon remote from regions visited by the Apo... more Lunar meteorites provide important new samples of the Moon remote from regions visited by the Apollo and Luna sample return missions. Petrologic and geochemical analysis of these meteorites, combined with orbital remote sensing measurements, have enabled additional discoveries about the composition and age of the lunar surface on a global scale. However, the interpretation of these samples is limited by the fact that we do not know the source region of any individual lunar meteorite. Here, we investigate the link between meteorite and source region on the Moon using the Lunar Prospector gamma ray spectrometer remote sensing data set for the elements Fe, Ti, and Th. The approach has been validated using Apollo and Luna bulk regolith samples, and we have applied it to 48 meteorites excluding paired stones. Our approach is able broadly to differentiate the best compositional matches as potential regions of origin for the various classes of lunar meteorites. Basaltic and intermediate Fe regolith breccia meteorites are found to have the best constrained potential launch sites, with some impact breccias and pristine mare basalts also having reasonably well-defined potential source regions. Launch areas for highland feldspathic meteorites are much less well constrained and the addition of another element, such as Mg, will probably be required to identify potential source regions for these.

Why we should build a Moon village

Astronomy & Geophysics

Who Speaks for Humanity?

Astrobiology: Science, Ethics and Public Policy, 2021

Future astrobiological activities and discoveries, along with other human activities in the trans... more Future astrobiological activities and discoveries, along with other human activities in the transnational domain of outer space, will require the development of political institutions able legitimately to speak for humanity as a whole. I identify a range of possibilities, including the formation of a world space agency and a strengthening of the UN system; but I argue that ultimately the logic points in the direction of bringing space exploration within the remit of a federal world government, the creation of which would also be desirable for other reasons. Although, at present, humanity lacks a sufficiently strong sense of global community for the formation of strong global political institutions, I argue that the cosmic and evolutionary perspectives provided by astrobiology and related disciplines can help lay the psychological foundations on which such institutions may be built.

Widening perspectives: the intellectual and social benefits of astrobiology (regardless of whether extraterrestrial life is discovered or not)

International Journal of Astrobiology, 2017

Astrobiology is usually defined as the study of the origin, evolution, distribution and future of... more Astrobiology is usually defined as the study of the origin, evolution, distribution and future of life in the Universe. As such it is inherently interdisciplinary and cannot help but engender a worldview infused by cosmic and evolutionary perspectives. Both these attributes of the study of astrobiology are, and will increasingly prove to be, beneficial to society regardless of whether extraterrestrial life is discovered or not.

Moon-NEXT: A Proposed ESA Lunar Lander Mission Selected for Phase-A Study

This paper describes the scientific rationale for ESA's Moon-NEXT mission, which has recently... more

Lunar science with affordable small spacecraft technologies: MoonLITE and Moonraker

Planetary and Space Science, 2008

Returning to the Moon has been advocated by a large number of international planetary scientists ... more Returning to the Moon has been advocated by a large number of international planetary scientists in order to answer several key scientific questions. The UK also has an active lunar science community keen to support (robotic) lunar exploration missions. However, for several years these interests have been eclipsed by the drive to Mars. Recently there is a renewed global interest in the Moon demonstrated by the Vision for Space Exploration in the USA, the evolving Global Exploration Partnership, and new lunar missions from Europe, Japan, China, India and the USA. The ESA Aurora programme may also broaden its focus to embrace the Moon as well as Mars-realizing that the risks associated with many of the major technical challenges that are faced by Mars missions could be reduced by relatively inexpensive and timely lunar technology tests. Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) and Surrey Space Centre (SSC) have been preparing a 'smallsat' approach [

Characterisation of potential landing sites for the European Space Agency's Lunar Lander project

Planetary and Space Science, 2012

This article describes the characterization activities of the landing sites currently envisaged f... more This article describes the characterization activities of the landing sites currently envisaged for the Lunar Lander mission of the European Space Agency. These sites have been identified in the South Pole Region (-85° to-90° latitude) based on favourable illumination conditions, which make it possible to have a long-duration mission with conventional power and thermal control subsystems, capable of enduring relatively short periods of darkness (in the order of tens of hours), instead of utilising Radioisotope Heating Units. The illumination conditions are simulated at the potential landing sites based on topographic data from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA), using three independent tools. Risk assessment of the identified sites is also being performed through independent studies. Long baseline slopes are assessed based on LOLA, while craters and boulders are detected both visually and using computer tools in Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) images, down to a size of less than 2 m, and size-frequency distributions are generated. Shadow hazards are also assessed via LROC images. The preliminary results show that areas with quasi-continuous illumination of several months exist, but their size is small (few hundred metres); the duration of the illumination period drops quickly to less than one month outside the areas, and some areas present gaps with short illumination periods. Concerning hazard distributions, 50 m slopes are found to be shallow (few degrees) based on LOLA, whereas at the scale of the lander footprint (~5 m) they are mostly dominated by craters, expected to be mature (from geological context) and shallow (~11°). The preliminary conclusion is that the environment at the prospective landing sites is within the capabilities of the Lander design.

Spatially resolved optical spectroscopy of the Herbig Ae/Vega-like binary star HD 35187

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 1998

We report on observations of the young binary system HD 35187 (SAO 77144). For the first time, we... more We report on observations of the young binary system HD 35187 (SAO 77144). For the first time, we have obtained spatially resolved optical spectra of the individual stars. Analysis of their effective temperatures indicates that the stars have spectral types of A2 (HD 35187B) and A7 (HD 35187A). Analysis of the H Balmer line indicates a luminosity class V for both stars. At the time of these observations, net H emission was present only towards HD 35187B. However, there is evidence that the photospheric H line in HD 35187A has been 'filled in' relative to its expected strength in an A7 star, so this star may also be associated with some process leading to H emission. Moreover, both stars exhibit absorption in the He I 5876 line well in excess of that expected for their spectral types. Comparison with earlier observations reveals that both the H and He I lines are variable, so both stars are 'active' in some sense. We suggest that the variable He I absorption detected towards both stars is a result of chromospheric activity, and is not necessarily related to the circumstellar environment. We find tentative evidence for a narrow Ca K circumstellar absorption line and excess redshifted absorption of the Na D line profiles in the spectrum of HD 35187B, both of which are absent in the spectrum of HD 35187A. The heliocentric radial velocity of the presumed circumstellar Ca K line (ǹ54.5 km s 21) is similar to that of redshifted circumstellar absorption lines previously identified in IUE spectra of this star, and the velocity range of the Na D absorption precisely matches that of the UV circumstellar components. Moreover, by placing the stars on the HR diagram (with the aid of the reliable Hipparcos distances) we find evidence that HD 35187B is dimmed by about 0.4 mag of grey circumstellar extinction. The detection of net H emission, circumstellar absorption lines, and significant circumstellar extinction for HD 35187B suggests that it has far more mass in its circumstellar environment than its companion, and that the observed IR excess of this system originates from a disc surrounding HD 35187B alone.

Lunar Net—a proposal in response to an ESA M3 call in 2010 for a medium sized mission

Experimental Astronomy, 2011

Emplacement of four or more kinetic penetrators geographically distributed over the lunar surface... more Emplacement of four or more kinetic penetrators geographically distributed over the lunar surface can enable a broad range of scientific exploration objectives of high priority and provide significant synergy with planned orbital missions. Whilst past landed missions achieved a great deal, they have not included a far-side lander, or investigation of the lunar interior apart from a very small area on the near side. Though the LCROSS mission detected water from a permanently shadowed polar crater, there remains in-situ confirmation, knowledge of concentration levels, and detailed identification of potential organic chemistry of astrobiology interest. The planned investigations will also address issues relating to the origin and evolution of the Earth-Moon system and other Solar System planetary bodies. Manned missions would be enhanced with use of water as a potential in-situ resource; knowledge of potential risks from damaging surface Moonquakes, and exploitation of lunar regolith for radiation shielding. LunarNet is an evolution of the 2007 LunarEX proposal to ESA (European Space Agency) which draws on recent significant advances in mission definition and feasibility. In particular, the successful Pendine full-scale impact trials have proved impact survivability for many of the key technology items, and a penetrator system study has greatly improved

Volcano-Ice Interaction as a Microbial Habitat on Earth and Mars

Astrobiology, 2011

Volcano-ice interaction has been a widespread geologic process on Earth that 12 continues to occu... more Volcano-ice interaction has been a widespread geologic process on Earth that 12 continues to occur to the present day. The interaction between volcanic activity 13 and ice can generate substantial quantities of liquid water, together with steep 14 thermal and geochemical gradients typical of hydrothermal systems. 15 Environments available for microbial colonization within glaciovolcanic systems 16 are wide-ranging and include the basaltic lava edifice, subglacial caldera 17 meltwater lakes, glacier caves, and subsurface hydrothermal systems. There is 18 widespread evidence of putative volcano-ice interaction on Mars throughout its 19 history and at a range of latitudes. Therefore, it is possible that life on Mars may 20 have exploited these habitats, much in the same way as has been observed on 21

The MoonNEXT mission: A European lander at the lunar South Pole

The scientific case for renewed human activities on the Moon

Space Policy, 2004

It is over thirty years since the last human being stood on the lunar surface, and I will argue t... more It is over thirty years since the last human being stood on the lunar surface, and I will argue that this long hiatus in human exploration has been to the detriment of lunar and planetary science. The primary scientific importance of the Moon lies in the record it preserves of the early evolution of a terrestrial planet, and of the near-Earth cosmic environment in the first billion years or so of Solar System history. This record may not be preserved anywhere else, and I will argue that gaining proper access to it will require a human presence. Moreover, while this will primarily be a task for the geosciences, I will argue that the astronomical and biological sciences would also benefit from a renewed human presence on the Moon, and especially from the establishment of a permanently occupied scientific outpost.