It is known from orbital measurements by the Chandrayaan-1, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), and LCROSS missions that volatiles such as water ice and other hydrogen species (H+, OH-) are concentrated in and around Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) near the lunar poles. If these volatiles can be extracted from the lunar regolith and used to produce propellants and consumables for life support systems, the mass of supplies launched from Earth could be greatly reduced, and thereby enable more affordable and sustainable human exploration.

Advanced Exploration Systems of NASAs Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate is seeking information on payloads that could acquire data to help us better understand the nature of lunar volatiles. This RFI requests details for instruments that would fly in a lunar polar orbit of approximately 100 km for a duration of at least one year. The goal for these instruments would be to provide new knowledge on the location, amount, movement, and habitability of volatiles in sunlight, or in the permanently shadowed regions.

We are interested in the approximate capability, mass, power, volume, and cost for these instruments, as well as technology maturity level. Instrument delivery would be between 21 and 36 months after selection. Differences in instrument maturity and capability as a function of delivery schedule would also be useful. (i.e. If we have 21 months wed propose X, but if we have 36 months wed propose Y.)

Please also provide details on exactly how the data you would acquire would increase our level of understanding of lunar volatiles.

Either a Word or Powerpoint document is acceptable.