Lunar Suitcase Science: A Lunar Regolith Characterization Kit (LRoCK)

Future human or robotic landed missions to the moon will provide an opportunity for rigorous in-situ measurements and sample acquisition on the Moon to answer key science questions and provide information to support human exploration. The Lunar Regolith Characterization Kit (LRoCK) described in this paper is designed to provide the flexibility, modularity, and capabilities to make crucial in-situ measurements and collect samples to support science studies on the Moon. The LRoCK consists of an integrated suite of surface and subsurface geophysics instruments that can be deployed during a human mission by astronauts and then run semi-autonomously or be carried on a rover for robotic missions. LRoCK instruments and tools strongly support concepts to characterize polar and non-polar regolith properties and to understand the lunar interior (through heat flow and seismic measurements). LRoCK also supports those concepts that require collection of rock and regolith samples and preliminary analysis of those samples. Data and analysis results from LRoCK are intended to be available through a display (Mapper) and analysis/decision support system software (DSS) to provide scientists, engineers, and astronauts a near real-time way to communicate results and plan their next steps.