1. Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO)
Heather Weir
NASA-GSFC/SSAI
August 9, 2006

2. Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO)
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission emphasizes the overall objective of obtaining data that will facilitate returning humans safely to the Moon and enable extended stays.

3. Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
LOLA (Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter) - uses a laser to measure topography, slope, and surface roughness. It will provide a precise global lunar topographic model and geodetic grid that will serve as the foundation of this essential understanding.
LROC (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera) - includes both the wide angle camera and narrow angle camera that will image the surface of the Moon. It is designed to address the measurement requirements of landing site certification and polar illumination
CRaTER (Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation) – uses plastics that simulate human tissue to study the potential effect of cosmic rays on humans. It will characterize the global lunar radiation environment as well as its biological impacts.

4. Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
DLRE (Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment) – maps absolute day/night temperatures of the entire lunar surface. It will be measuring lunar surface temperatures at scales that provide essential information for future surface operations and exploration.
LAMP – uses UV radiation from starlight to search for ice and frost in the Moon's permanently shadowed regions.
LEND (Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector) – detects neutrons from the lunar surface to see the distribution of hydrogen. It will provide measurements, create maps, detecting possible near-surface water ice deposits.
Mini-RF – provides high resolution radar images of the Moon

5. Planned LRO Orbit 30x216 km Quasi-frozen Orbit: up to 60 days
Lunar Orbit Insertion Sequence: 2-4 days
50 km Polar Mapping Orbit: at least 1 year
Minimum Energy Lunar Transfer: ~ 4 days