Back to the Moon
As NASA prepares to land astronauts on the moon for the first time in more than half a century, CU 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó’s (LASP) is contributing to the Artemis program’s success.Â
NASA has appointed LASP planetary scientist Paul Hayne to the Artemis lunar surface geology team. Hayne, also an associate professor in CU’s astrophysical and planetary sciences department, will help guide future astronauts as they explore the moon’s south polar region.
Hayne is the principal investigator of the , an infrared imaging system slated for launch in 2027 on an Artemis-supported mission to map potential lunar ice deposits. His expertise in volatile ices and the evolution of the moon’s surface will inform everything from landing site selection to the search for water ice trapped in permanently shadowed craters. Understanding these resources could help future missions harvest lunar water for life support and fuel.
³¢´¡³§±Ê’sÌý is tackling one of the moon’s most persistent hazards: lunar dust. Xu Wang, senior LASP researcher and lecturer in CU’s physics department, studies the abrasive, electrostatically charged grains that cling to spacesuits and degrade equipment. The lab has developed electrostatic cleaning techniques to help protect instruments, habitats and astronaut health during long-duration missions.
One of Wang’s innovations, the , will be deployed by Artemis astronauts at the lunar South Pole. DUSTER will capture the most detailed measurements ever taken of dust and plasma conditions in this region, directly supporting astronaut safety and long-term exploration.
The lab also operates the instruments aboard NASA’s , stationed a million miles from Earth. Its I-ALiRT system provides real-time data on solar particles and radiation, offering critical space-weather warnings for astronauts traveling beyond Earth’s protective magnetic shield.
Together, these efforts highlight how CU 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó is helping lead the way back to the moon. And, following LASP tradition, some of the instruments could feature engravings of CU 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó’s mascot, Ralphie, ensuring that when we take the next giant leap for humankind, the Buffs will be along for the journey.
Photo courtesy NASA
CU’s LASP is contributing to the success of the Artemis program.