ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet, NASA's Jessica Wittner, and Arnaud Prost, a CNES-affiliated member of ESA's Astronaut Reserve, are engaged in the latest PANGAEA geology training in Lofoten, Norway. Once covered by glaciers, this ancient landscape now reveals jagged peaks and valleys, shaped by millennia of erosion.
The region was chosen for its deposits of anorthosite, a rare rock on Earth but common on the Moon, particularly in its highland regions. This connection makes the terrain ideal for simulating lunar fieldwork.
Using ESA's Electronic Field Book, the team selects exploration paths and logs observations, updating geological maps in real time. The system draws on drone-collected data, including spectral signatures-distinctive rock fingerprints-that guide the astronauts toward key scientific targets.
Once a course is set, the trio sets off with only basic tools: a spectrometer, a microscope, and a geological kit. They must interpret the terrain closely, identifying features and verifying data with ground teams to refine their understanding.
Through this hands-on training, the astronauts deepen their grasp of anorthosite formation and its similarities to lunar geology, contributing valuable insights to both science and mission planning. Their efforts also enhance the geological mapping of the fjord.
As future Moon missions approach, astronauts will act as the on-site proxies for Earth-based scientists. PANGAEA equips them to recognize, interpret, and communicate geological phenomena-a vital skill for successful off-Earth exploration.
Related Links
PANGAEA blog at ESA
Mars News and Information at MarsDaily.com
Lunar Dreams and more
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