EVALUATION OF INFRARED-EMISSION SPECTROSCOPY FOR MAPPING THE MOONS SURFACE-COMPOSITION FROM LUNAR ORBIT

Infrared thermal emission spectroscopy is evaluated for its possible a pplication to compositional mapping of the Moon's surface from lunar o rbit. Principles of the mid-IR (similar to 4-25 mu m) technique, previ ous lunar ground-based observations, and laboratory studies of Moon sa mples are reviewed and summarized. A lunar thermal emission spectromet er experiment is described, patterned after a similar instrument on th e Mars Observer spacecraft. Thermal emission spectrometry from a polar -orbiting lunar spacecraft could provide a valuable mapping tool to ai d in exploration for lunar resources and help provide understanding of the origin of the Moon and history of lunar surface processes.