Visible‐Shortwave Infrared (VSWIR) Spectral Parameters for the Lunar Trailblazer High‐Resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper (HVM 3 )

Journal article

Plain Language Summary: The High‐resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper (HVM3) is one of two science instruments on the Lunar Trailblazer smallsat mission, whose science goal is to understand the distribution, abundance, and form of water on the Moon, as well as the lunar water cycle. HVM3 uses patterns in infrared light reflection and absorption at different wavelengths to detect water and minerals in rocks and soils on the Moon's surface. In July 2025 the Lunar Trailblazer mission end was declared. Here, we detail the formulation and testing of algorithms for making water and mineral maps in preparation for the anticipated HVM3 returned data using existing Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) and Deep Impact spacecraft lunar data sets, which are similar types of instruments. We demonstrate that presented spectral parameters can distinguish lunar minerals of interest and therefore, capture lunar mineral diversity well. We also show that a newly developed water spectral parameter can be used as a reliable indication of lunar surface water presence, thereby demonstrating the value of expected HVM3 maps for the broader scientific community as well as planning future exploration of the Moon.

Authors: Dapremont, AM; Klima, RL; Wilk, KA; Ehlmann, BL; Edwards, CS

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Wiley
• Journal: Earth and Space Science
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 3
• Article number: e2025EA004557
• Publication date: 2026-03-10
• Acceptance date: 2025-12-03
• DOI: 10.1029/2025ea004557
• EISSN: 2333-5084
• ISSN: 2333-5084
• Language: English