Exploration and Utilisation of Lunar Resources affected by Space Weathering

Abstract

This thesis aims to develop a study with regards to the exploration of the lunar surface through the resources produced by space weathering. Space weathering events shall be discussed, in terms of how the physical and chemical characteristics of the lunar regolith is affected. Through hydrogen reduction, the products formed from space weathering interactions shall be produced within the lunar simulants JSC-1 and FJS-3. This is followed up with characterising the processed samples via a Scanned Electron Microscope (SEM) to confirm the formation of npFe0 and SMFe – a product of space weathering. Thereafter, a preliminary quantification of the presence of npFe0 and SMFe within one of the samples is obtained through a Mossbauer analysis, this is to provide the basis for ¨ future more accurate quantification of npFe0 and SMFe to be created. In addition to these experiments, an analysis on the samples reflectance within the ultraviolet (UV) region of the electromagnetic spectrum is conducted – finding a preliminary correlation between decreasing reddening gradient and increasing reduction temperatures (the temperature in which the sample was reduced at). Finally, an equation was fitted to this correlation in order to mathematically describe the relationship between the sample’s reflectance spectra and reduction temperature (the duration of this reduction was first conducted for 2 hours and then 4 hours). This preliminary mathematical model allows for interpolation of the reddening gradient – a characteristic dependent on the products of space weathering, for both the lunar simulants JSC-1 and FJS-3, when a specific reduction temperature is provided. Ultimately providing the basis for a mathematical model to determine the quantities of npFe0 and SMFe within the lunar regolith by viewing its corresponding UV reflectance spectra.