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How NASA's Lunar Trailblazer Will Make a Looping Voyage to the Moon

NASA's Lunar Trailblazer, set to launch in 2024, is a small satellite mission aimed at mapping water on the Moon's surface. This mission will utilize a unique looping orbit to cover the lunar poles, where water ice is believed to exist in permanently shadowed regions. The spacecraft is equipped with two key instruments: the High-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper (HVM3) for detecting water molecules and the Lunar Thermal Mapper (LTM) for measuring surface temperatures. These tools will help scientists understand the distribution and form of water on the Moon, which is crucial for future lunar exploration and potential human settlements. The mission not only seeks to confirm the presence of water but also to study how it interacts with the lunar environment, providing insights into the Moon's history and its potential as a resource for future missions.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/technology/space-exploration/how-nasa-s-lunar-trailblazer-will-make-a-looping-voyage-to-the-moon/ar-AA1z0At5 ]