THE LUNAR PROSPECTOR DISCOVERY MISSION - MISSION AND MEASUREMENT DESCRIPTION

Lunar Prospector, the first competitively selected planetary mission i n NASA's Discovery Program, is described with emphasis on the radiatio n spectrometer instrumentation and anticipated scientific data return. Scheduled to be launched in January 1998, the mission will conduct a one year orbital survey of the Moon's composition and structure. The s uite of five instruments are outlined: neutron spectrometer, alpha par ticle spectrometer, gamma-ray spectrometer, electron reflectometer and magnetometer. Scientific requirements and measurement approach to det ect water/ice to a sensitivity of 50 ppm (hydrogen), measure key eleme ntal constituents, detect radioactive gas release events and accuratel y map the Moon's gravitational and magnetic fields are given. A brief overview of the programmatic accomplishments in meeting a tightly cons trained schedule and budget is also provided.