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Moon -- the satellite of mysteries

Apollo Program proved firmly that mankind can reach the Moon.
Then, how much of the Moon do we understand now? Unfortunately, the great success of Apollo Program in learning about the Moon has not been rivaled by any subsequent efforts. However, it has to be recognized that even the knowledge about the Moon obtained through Apollo Program is insufficient for the reasons below. Therefore, the second step toward the Moon will be to get a wider variety of information as well as to supplement the lack of knowledge about the Moon - in other words, to take a close look at the Moon more carefully.

  1. In Apollo Program, data collection was limited in the areas near the equator and the landing points. Therefore, no data from direct observation were obtained as for the mineral composition and element abundance of the entire Moon.
  2. We are not provided with a complete topographic map reliable enough to lead landers safely on the Moon.
  3. We have not sufficient data on grain size (grading) distribution and thickness of Regolith - the sand covering the lunar surface, or the internal structure of the Moon.
  4. No data of space environment monitoring (radiation, fine particles) has been obtained on the active period of sun.

With regard to the above, the following are just a few examples of questions not yet to have scientific answers:

  • The origin of the Moon (There are hypotheses such as "Fission", "Capture", "Binary Accretion" and "Giant Impact".)
  • Whether a metal core exists or not (If exists, what size is it?)
  • Whether elements and minerals of the Moon are concentrated enough to form deposits of resources to be mined.
Thus, at this moment, the Moon is still a satellite with many mysteries.

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