Alone in a remote Norwegian fjord, the explorers discuss the best route to discovery looking at the science plans with Moon science in mind. Before setting off, they use a tablet that holds a universe of information: detailed geological maps pop up along with colourful spectral images from satellites and messages from the science team.
The three explorers pictured are ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet, NASA’s Jessica Wittner and Arnaud Prost, a member of the ESA Astronaut Reserve who joined as a CNES member of the EAC integrated team.
They are part of the latest edition of ESA’s PANGAEA geology training in Lofoten, Norway. Once buried beneath massive ice sheets and glaciers, this region was carved over thousands of years into dramatic peaks and valleys.
The team chose this location because of the presence of an unusual crystalline rock – anorthosite. While anorthosite is hard to find on Earth, it makes up a significant part of the Moon’s surface, especially in the heavily cratered regions of the lunar highlands.
The trainees are using the Electronic Field Book to to decide where to go. Developed by ESA, this system helps them document their scientific findings and update a geological map as they scout the area. Here is a video of how mapping forward to the Moon works.
To support the astronauts in the field, the science team created a specialised set of maps using data from drone flights. These maps include spectral signatures – the unique fingerprints of the rocks – which help pinpoint where rocks of different compositions meet, guiding the astronauts to the most scientifically interesting areas.Once the astronauts choose their path, they are left to explore independently with just a microscope, a spectrometer, and a set of geological tools. Instructors encourage them to pay close attention to subtle details to find clues that can reveal the bigger geological picture hidden in the landscape.
As they move through the terrain, the trainees must verify with the ground team whether what they observe matches the information provided by the scientists.
Thomas, Jessica, and Arnaud used this process to learn how the anorthosites formed and identified striking parallels with those found on the lunar surface. The exercise also helped scientists improve the geological map of the area.
On the Moon, astronauts will serve as the eyes and hands of scientists on Earth. Through PANGAEA, astronauts learn how to observe, describe, and document geological features. Understanding what matters to scientists on the ground is essential for the success of future exploration missions.
Find more information and updates about this training on ESA’s PANGAEA blog.