The mysteries of the Moon

The moon, it seems to me, has been somewhat hidden in plain sight over the past 40 years. Since the Apollo missions ended, the space community have had their sights firmly set on goals further afar with a lunar destination for science slipping from favour.

Yet undoubtedly there is some very exciting science to be done there (see p26 for a perfect example). The country’s scientists and engineers know this, which is why they want a major role in Europe’s first attempt to land a spacecraft on the Moon.

The aim of the European Space Agency’s (Esa) Lunar Lander mission is to - before the decade is out – land autonomously with pinpoint precision near the Moon’s south pole. Here it will perform the kind of experiments that would help prepare for a human mission at some future date.

The Moon is largely thought to have shut down geologically speaking, which means that it is in many ways a frozen snapshot of what a planetary body looks like fairly early on its terrestrial evolution. Given the deep connections between the moon and Earth, this makes it very interesting indeed.

Stand by the science and the spreadsheets will take care of themselves

Our own planet, with its wrestling geological processes, is in a constant grapple with its self and as such is unrecognisable from its young self. Yet in the moon’s relative geological calm we may find clues as to the early face of Earth.

To be properly involved it is now down to the lunar science community to make their case to the UK Space Agency which represents UK interests at Esa. But any involvement will of course come at some cost – and it is this that I fear may overshadow what could be a real coup for British science. When considering proposals I do hope that UKSA is not short-sighted in its assessment of the economic impact – which one supposes they will be under considerable pressure to do in the current climate.

To UKSA I say this – stand by the science and the spreadsheets will take care of themselves. The space industry in this country is competitive on a global scale – the number of contracts that Esa could award to UK based companies from this project warrants a brave approach from the UKSA.

Let’s be bold, and let’s get a strong UK presence successfully landed on the moon.

Being in mind of successful landings, it is my absolute pleasure to welcome our new columnist Russ Swan to the magazine. Familiar to many, liked by all, Russ will bring his unique perspective to bear on all things science. A diverse and consummate commentator, his insight and musings will cast light, dispel assumption and tickle funny bones alike. Be sure to have a read of p17 for his first Lab Babble column.

Phil Prime, Editor phil.prime@laboratorynews.co.uk