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NASA Hubble Telescope Seeks Moon Resources

NASA has been conducting scientific observations of a different class with the Hubble Space Telescope and its unique capabilities while observing the Earth`s moon. Because of Hubble`s resolution and sensitivity to ultraviolet light, the search for important oxygen-bearing minerals on the moon is much easier. Since the moon does not have a breathable atmosphere, minerals, such as ilmenite (titanium and iron oxide), which is a potential source of oxygen for breathing or to power rockets, may be critical for a sustained human lunar presence.

The new Hubble observations are the first high-resolution, ultraviolet images ever acquired of the moon. The images provide scientists with a new tool to study mineral variations within the lunar crust. As NASA plans future expeditions to the moon, such data, in combination with other measurements, will ensure the most valuable sites are targeted for robotic and human missions.

`These observations of the moon have been a challenging and highly successful technological achievement for NASA and the Hubble team, since the telescope was not originally designed for lunar observations,` says Jennifer Wiseman, program scientist for the Hubble at NASA Headquarters. `The images will inform both scientific studies of lunar geology and future decisions on further lunar exploration.`