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CT-3 Science

The Blue Origin Blue Moon Mark 1 (MK1) lander will deliver two NASA science payloads to the lunar south pole.

A rendering of the Blue Origin Blue Moon Mark 1 (MK1) lander on the surface of the Moon with the Earth in the background. The lander is large, mounted on four legs with a solar panel on top.

Descending Into Science

The lunar surface is uneven, rocky, and unforgiving. Landing deliveries safely and securely requires acute awareness of the terrain and its response to a lander’s descent plumes. Our science payloads on CT-3 will provide thorough descent data that will benefit future lunar exploration missions for years to come.

SCALPSS 1.x
LRA

Science and Exploration Goals

  • Photograph a Lunar Descent

    We know lander descents disturb the lunar surface, but to improve the success and stability of future landings and surface missions, we need to better understand exactly how the descent alters the landing area. SCALPSS will achieve this by using its advanced camera array to extensively capture videos and photos of the lunar surface and lander before, during, and after the descent. This will provide our scientists with a vast amount of useful data along with a 3D view of the surface.

  • Study Ejecta Behavior and Properties

    Lander descents send ejecta flying everywhere. By studying the ejecta behavior with SCALPSS, we’ll gain insights into physical properties of surface materials which will provide context for future examinations of surface materials.

CT-3 will collect critical science at the lunar south pole, paving the way for future NASA exploration and science missions to the area.
NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

SCALPSS 1.x

Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume-Surface Studies

PIs: Robert Maddock and Joseph Atkinson, LaRC

All eyes on the lunar surface! SCALPSS 1.x is an array of high-resolution cameras that will collect imagery during descent. In addition to providing information about regolith reaction to high-power lander thrust, the stereographic photogrammetry will produce overlapping images that will allow researchers to construct a 3D view of the surface. Data provided by SCALPSS will help guide technology design for the next generation of lunar exploration.

The SCALPSS 1.x assembly system is mounted on a table in a lab for testing. It's a circular metal plate with metal mounts for 4 different cameras oriented in different directions.
SCALPSS 1.x will carefully document and analyze the landing process at the lunar south pole.
NASA

LRA

Laser Retroreflector Array

PI: Dr. Xiaoli Sun, GSFC

The Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) is the ultimate sidekick to any lunar surface payload. Payload-collected data needs precise locations to maximize its effectiveness and accuracy, and LRA does exactly that. LRA uses reflected laser light from orbiting spacecraft to determine its exact location, including a precise distance to Earth.

Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) payload
The Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) has eight retroreflectors inside.
NASA / GSFC