#
# Program information file
#
PROGRAM_ID           2024B031
PROGRAM_TITLE        Monitoring the hydration levels of the VIPER mission area during lunar surface operations
PROGRAM_INV1         Paul Lucey
PROGRAM_INV2         Casey Honniball
PROGRAM_INV3         Abigail Flom
PROGRAM_INV4         Chiara Ferrari-Wong
PROGRAM_INV5         Marley Chertok
PROGRAM_SCICAT       major planets / satellites
PROGRAM_ABSTRACT_BEG
The imminent arrival of NASA's Volatile Investigation Polar Exploration Rover [VIPER] at the Moon presents a significant opportunity for the IRTF to contribute to a NASA mission by providing vital regional context to VIPER's measurements. As VIPER embarks on its journey to the lunar south pole in November 2024, it is cruicial to measure the hydration levels at Mons Mouton, VIPER's mission area, during VIPERs arrival and surface mission. Understanding how hydration behaves in relation to lunar time of day provides insights into the origin, abundance of potential resources, and the potential impact of volatiles, including water, deposited onto the lunar surface during VIPER's descent to the surface.

Measurement of the 3 um hydration band is pivotal in this endeavor. While existing data sets offer insights, limitations such as wavelength cutoff and restricted temporal coverage hinder comprehensive characterization. The IRTF emerges as an invaluable asset due to its full coverage of the 3 um band, high spatial resolution, extensive temporal coverage, and the only current observatory capable of these time critical observations.

The proposed observations aim to fill the gaps in existing data by fully mapping the Mons Mouton landing are during VIPER's surface operations. Cross-calibration between IRTF and VIPER's Near InfraRed Volatiles Spectrometer System  enables enhanced measurements and regional context placement. These measurements will extend the reach of the VIPER mission to a regional context.

Moreover, capturing VIPER's landing and subsequent days post-landing is vital to understanding volatile trends and validate models simulating water deposition effects. The proposed observations provide invaluable measurements prior to landing and offer insights into the long-term impact of spacecraft on lunar hydration. These efforts align with the goals of the Artemis III science definition report, ensuring future missions are informed by comprehensive regional context.
PROGRAM_ABSTRACT_END