Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science

Update: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter converted to a Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter???
Chris Vancil — (archived)

I think the main reason Tom Matula wants to convert MRO to a LRO is to screw up Mars exploration as MRO is key to future use of Mars. I would be interested in a technical opinions on the truth of Dennis' assertions Tom, Gary, Larry...anyone?

It would seem to be a better plan to lobby for a second Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter if they need data not generated by the first one.

I argued: HiRISE is an imaging system built specifically for Mars orbit same with CTX and MARCI. You would have to throw out the optic and start over! If the CCD's and software would work in that orbit. You mentioned CRISM being related to other imaging spectrometer, but it's tailored for Mars not the Moon. What do you plan to do with MCS? Or has the Moon suddenly got an atmosphere and weather? The SHARAD might be useful, but I'm willing to bet you don't want the comms as it would render mute the argument for RA at the Moon!!!

Indirectly Dennis Wingo replied: The wavelengths of interest for Mars and the Moon are not much different. the only parameter that makes a Martian instrument different is absorption bandpass filters to gain insight into the atmospheric composition of Mars. The GRS instrument is identical for all intents and purposes and so are most of the other instruments except, as I said, those specifically tailored to determining atmospheric composition.

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