Human explorers on the Moon may be able to send back unprecedented, finely detailed maps of the lunar surface, thanks to a new backpack device developed by NASA and its partners.
may be able to send back unprecedented, finely detailed maps of the lunar surface, thanks to a new backpack device developed by NASA and its partners.It's called the Kinematic Navigation and Cartography Knapsack , and it's equipped with a portable LIDAR scanner that constantly scans the ground as the wearer walks around, collecting detailed information on the surrounding surface topology.
The system makes use of a technology called Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave LIDAR. As the name suggests, this sends out a continuous laser beam with a modulated frequency. When this light is reflected off a surface, its frequency changes; when this altered frequency of light returns to the LIDAR detector, it is compared to the emitted light. The difference between the two is proportional to the distance to the surface, and this process generates a detailed topographic map.
"As human beings, we tend to orient ourselves based on landmarks – a specific building, a grove of trees,""Those things don't exist on the Moon. KNaCK will continuously enable explorers traversing the surface to determine their movement, direction, and orientation to distant peaks or to their base of operations. They can even mark specific sites where they found some unique mineral or rock formation, so others can easily return for further study.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Moon Knight Episodes 5 & 6 Have Even Bigger Shocks, Teases Co-DirectorWere you shocked by MoonKnight episode 4? Director Aaron Moorhead says prepare for more twists! 'I think if you were surprised by episode 4, get ready to be surprised again by episodes 5 and 6.'
Read more »
Full moon looms under icon of Paris in incredible photoOur lunar neighbor shines beneath the Arc de Triomphe, a French monument inspired by Roman architecture.
Read more »
‘Moon Knight’ Episode 4’s Ending Gives the Show the Jolt It NeedsThis week’s MoonKnight gives the show the jolt it desperately needed.
Read more »
Ukrainian moon start-up volunteers tech for military useThe company's 3D printers now churn out gun components.
Read more »
‘Moon Knight’ Episode 4: Every Marvel Easter EggEvery Easter egg and secret in this week’s shocking episode of MoonKnight:
Read more »