Origin and minearology of Lunar meteorites. A study for lunar mining and resources exploitation

Abstract

In recent years the Moon has become once again the target for many of the most ambitious space projects. Our satellite is expected to provide a permanent base by 2030s and open new possibilities for deep-space exploration and the conquest of Mars. During this decade it is paramount to expand our knowledge on lunar surface mineralogy, chemistry and geology; to prospect it and lay the foundations for the future exploitation of its resources. Lunar achondrites provide interesting information about the main rock-forming minerals of the Moon. These rocks were excavated and delivered to Earth by continuous collisions going on the surface of our satellite. Unfortunately we do not know the exact region of origin of these rocks, so the information provided is only partial. This Master Thesis will study the physico-chemical properties of Lunar meteorites, and will also study the main dynamic pathways followed by Lunar meteorites reaching planet Earth.