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NASA's Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS) is soliciting input from the lunar community through a new Lunar Non-Interference Questionnaire to aid in developing a framework for managing lunar activities without interference. No funding or solicitations are expected to follow this survey.
Established in November 2021 within the NASA Administrator's office, OTPS collaborates acr by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 09, 2024
NASA's Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS) is soliciting input from the lunar community through a new Lunar Non-Interference Questionnaire to aid in developing a framework for managing lunar activities without interference. No funding or solicitations are expected to follow this survey.
Established in November 2021 within the NASA Administrator's office, OTPS collaborates across NASA and with the space community to supply NASA leaders with options to develop policies, strategies, and technologies.
Purpose of the questionnaire
With multiple countries and private entities planning lunar operations by the decade's end, especially at the lunar South Pole, OTPS recognizes the critical need to address potential interference and contamination. The Artemis Accords' Section 11 highlights the importance of deconfliction, a topic gaining relevance with the increasing number of lunar actors.
In 2016, the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group outlined an integrated lunar exploration strategy in "The Lunar Exploration Roadmap." This roadmap addressed lunar science prioritization and identified potential negative impacts from further lunar activities.
Despite the identification of concerns like plume-surface interactions and electromagnetic interference, there is no wide consensus on key issues such as assessing lunar sites' value or mitigating interference impacts.
How to submit responses
OTPS encourages the lunar community to share their insights on interference, contamination, and deconfliction by June 7, 2024. Respondents should send their feedback to [email protected], preferably in an editable PDF or Word document, including relevant references and empirical data.
Survey questions include:
- Definitions of interference, contamination, and deconfliction.
- Attributes influencing site selection for lunar missions.
- Actions potentially devaluing lunar sites.
- Necessary data and models for assessing site value.
- Mitigation strategies to preserve site value.
OTPS will use the information gathered to enhance strategic decisions regarding lunar activity protection, ensuring that contributions help shape a robust framework for future lunar non-interference work. Responses, while confidential, will form the basis of a broader governmental discussion, excluding any personally identifiable or proprietary information.
Related Links
Office of Technology, Policy and Strategy (OTPS)
Mars News and Information at MarsDaily.com
Lunar Dreams and more