BU Now » lunar radiation

LRO: NASA’s first step to returning to the Moon

Ron Rosenberg — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:29:18 +0000

The most ambitious lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1992 is set for June 17, when NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) embarks on a year-long exploration — a key first step toward returning humans to the Moon. Harlan Spence, professor of astronomy is leading a team that will study how the lunar radiation environment will affect human life on the Moon.

Contact Harlan Spence, 617-353-7421, spence@bu.edu

Measuring radiation levels on the moon to later visit Mars

Ron Rosenberg — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:13:18 +0000

To determine the lunar radiation environment on the Moon, as a prelude to going to Mars, NASA will launch, on June 17th, the Lunar Reconaissance Orbiter with a Cosmic Ray Telescope developed by Harlan Spence, professor of astronomy. The instrument will include plastic “skin,” to study how the Moon’s radiation levels affect humans over time.

Contact Harlan Spence, 617-353-7421, spence@bu.edu