Through this Artemis III Deployed Instruments program element, NASA’s Science Mission Directorate solicits proposals for instruments to be deployed on the surface of the Moon during Artemis III, the first crewed landing of the Artemis program. Payloads selected through this program element will be part of the Artemis III payload manifest; proposers interested in flying payloads on the second crewed landing should refer to F.21 Artemis IV Deployed Instruments Program. Artemis III will be a landed mission in the south polar region of the Moon, within 6º of latitude from the south pole, providing potential access to surface-accessible volatile deposits. Several of the proposed landing regions are located among some of the oldest parts of the Moon, and together with the permanently shadowed regions, provide the opportunity to learn about the history of the Moon through previously unstudied lunar materials.
Deployed instruments consist of autonomous instrument packages installed on the lunar surface by astronauts during extravehicular activities (EVAs). These science packages will enable a variety of geophysical and environmental investigations. In addition to their intrinsic science value, some measurements from deployed instruments may also reduce risks to astronauts (e.g., goals 7a-m in Section 5.7 of the Artemis III Science Definition Team Report).
Proposed deployed instruments must address one or more of the scientific objectives outlined in the Artemis III Science Definition Team (SDT) Report. These objectives are:
• Understanding planetary processes
• Understanding the character and origin of lunar polar volatiles
• Interpreting the impact history of the Earth-Moon system
• Revealing the record of the ancient sun and our astronomical environment
• Observing the universe and the local space environment from a unique location
• Conducting experimental science in the lunar environment
• Investigating and mitigating exploration risks
In addition to these objectives, the SDT report also described a candidate science program that includes measurements to be made by deployed instruments. Specific investigations identified include geophysical monitoring and characterization, environmental monitoring and characterization, and understanding the human impact on the Moon. Preference will be given to instruments that address one or more of these measurements. Instruments addressing other high priority SDT objectives are also welcome and may be selected based on availability of mass, funding, and programmatic considerations.
Deadlines:
- REQUIRED Step 1 Proposals: June 30, 2023
- Invited Step-2 Proposals: Aug. 31, 2023