What is the primary objective of the Lunar Trailblazer mission?

Question

What is the primary objective of the Lunar Trailblazer mission?

1. A. To detect and map water on the Moon's surface (Correct answer)
2. B. To create a 3D model of the entire Moon
3. C. To test new lunar rovers
4. D. More than one of the above

Correct Answer

Option A — To detect and map water on the Moon's surface

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is To detect and map water on the Moon's surface.

Key Points

• Lunar Trailblazer is a NASA small satellite (SmallSat) mission whose primary objective is to detect and map the form, abundance and distribution of water on the Moon's surface, and to understand the lunar water cycle.
• It carries two key instruments: the High-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper (HVM3), an imaging spectrometer that identifies the spectral signatures of water ice, liquid water and hydroxyl (OH), and the Lunar Thermal Mapper (LTM), which maps surface temperature.
• Mapping lunar water matters for exploration because water in the permanently shadowed regions of the lunar poles can be converted into drinking water, breathable oxygen and rocket propellant, supporting sustained human presence under programmes such as Artemis.

Exam Tip

• group current lunar missions by their distinct objectives — Chandrayaan-3 (south-pole soft landing), Artemis (crewed return) and Lunar Trailblazer (water mapping).

प्रश्न (हिन्दी में)

लूनर ट्रेलब्लेज़र मिशन का मुख्य उद्देश्य क्या है?

1. A. चंद्रमा की सतह पर जल का पता लगाना और उसका मानचित्रण करना
2. B. पूरे चंद्रमा का एक त्रि-आयामी मॉडल बनाना
3. C. नए चंद्र रोवर्स का परीक्षण करना
4. D. उपरोक्त में से एक से अधिक