Kaguya (SELENE), Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) have shown that there are lunar lava tubes: empty underground caves that formed after the drainage of basaltic lava flows. Since the Moon does not have a magnetosphere to protect the surface from cosmic and solar radiation, these caves could provide the shielding necessary for human settlements.
I worked on a proposal for an ESPA satellite equipped with a sounding radar could provide the following information necessary to evaluate whether lunar lava tubes are a safe haven for future lunar colonies:
- Dimensions and depth of the lunar lava tubes
- Image of structures below the lunar mare
- Location of smaller open cavities (skylights)
The same Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) can be used to detect water and minerals necessary for building an habitation.
