NASA has selected three instruments that will explore the lunar surface as part of its Artemis program. Two instruments, the Artemis Infrared Reflectance and Emission Spectrometer (AIRES) and the Lunar Microwave Active-Passive Spectrometer (L-MAPS), will be attached to the Artemis Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV). The third instrument, the Ultra-Compact Imaging Spectrometer, will be deployed on a future orbital mission.
The LTV is designed to carry two astronauts or operate remotely to achieve more of NASA’s science and exploration goals. AIRES will search for minerals and volatiles like water, ammonia, or carbon dioxide on the moon, capturing spectral data from specific features and broad panoramas. L-MAPS will look beneath the lunar surface to find possible locations of ice.
Combining the data from AIRES and L-MAPS will provide a detailed picture of the lunar surface and subsurface components. The Ultra-Compact Imaging Spectrometer will map the moon’s geology and volatiles, providing regional context for LTV discoveries.
NASA has partnered with Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab to complete preliminary design reviews of their proposed LTVs. A final decision on which design will be deployed for the demonstration mission is expected in the coming months.
Source: https://executivegov.com/articles/nasa-aires-lmaps-ucis-moon-artemis-lunar-terrain-vehicle-space-exploration