Fundamental Science and Engineering Questions in Planetary Cave Exploration

• Published in: Journal of geophysical research. Planets Vol. 127; no. 11; pp. e2022JE007194 - n/a
• Main Authors: Wynne, J. Judson, Titus, Timothy N., Agha‐Mohammadi, Ali‐akbar, Azua‐Bustos, Armando, Boston, Penelope J., León, Pablo, Demirel‐Floyd, Cansu, Waele, Jo, Jones, Heather, Malaska, Michael J., Miller, Ana Z., Sapers, Haley M., Sauro, Francesco, Sonderegger, Derek L., Uckert, Kyle, Wong, Uland Y., Alexander, E. Calvin, Chiao, Leroy, Cushing, Glen E., DeDecker, John, Fairén, Alberto G., Frumkin, Amos, Harris, Gary L., Kearney, Michelle L., Kerber, Laura, Léveillé, Richard J., Manyapu, Kavya, Massironi, Matteo, Mylroie, John E., Onac, Bogdan P., Parazynski, Scott E., Phillips‐Lander, Charity M., Prettyman, Thomas H., Schulze‐Makuch, Dirk, Wagner, Robert V., Whittaker, William L., Williams, Kaj E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-11-2022; John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Subjects: Astrobiology; Automation; Caves; Data acquisition; Engineers; Exploring Planetary Caves as Windows into Subsurface Geology, Habitability, and Astrobiology; General or Miscellaneous; Geology; horizon scan; human exploration; Instrumentation; Instruments; Interiors; Manufacturing engineering; Mars; Mars surface; Mathematical models; Moon; Physical Properties of Materials; Planetary Interiors; Planetary Sciences: Comets and Small Bodies; Planetary Sciences: Fluid Planets; Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects; Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets; Polls & surveys; Questions; R&D; Research & development; Review; robotic exploration; Robotics; Robustness (mathematics); Scientists; Solar system; Tectonophysics; human exploration; robotic exploration; horizon scan
• ISSN: 2169-9097; 2169-9100
• DOI: 10.1029/2022JE007194

Nearly half a century ago, two papers postulated the likelihood of lunar lava tube caves using mathematical models. Today, armed with an array of orbiting and fly‐by satellites and survey instrumentation, we have now acquired cave data across our solar system—including the identification of potential cave entrances on the Moon, Mars, and at least nine other planetary bodies. These discoveries gave rise to the study of planetary caves. To help advance this field, we leveraged the expertise of an interdisciplinary group to identify a strategy to explore caves beyond Earth. Focusing primarily on astrobiology, the cave environment, geology, robotics, instrumentation, and human exploration, our goal was to produce a framework to guide this subdiscipline through at least the next decade. To do this, we first assembled a list of 198 science and engineering questions. Then, through a series of social surveys, 114 scientists and engineers winnowed down the list to the top 53 highest priority questions. This exercise resulted in identifying emerging and crucial research areas that require robust development to ultimately support a robotic mission to a planetary cave—principally the Moon and/or Mars. With the necessary financial investment and institutional support, the research and technological development required to achieve these necessary advancements over the next decade are attainable. Subsequently, we will be positioned to robotically examine lunar caves and search for evidence of life within Martian caves; in turn, this will set the stage for human exploration and potential habitation of both the lunar and Martian subsurface.
Plain Language Summary
We have now acquired cave data across our solar system—including the identification of potential cave entrances on the Moon, Mars, and at least nine other planetary bodies. These discoveries gave rise to the study of planetary caves. To help advance this field, we conducted an expert‐opinion based social survey to identify a strategy to explore caves beyond Earth. We focused primarily on astrobiology, the cave environment, geology, robotics, instrumentation, and human exploration. First, we assembled a list of 198 science and engineering questions. Then, through a series of social surveys, 114 scientists and engineers winnowed down the list to the top 53 highest priority questions. This exercise resulted in identifying emerging and crucial research areas that require robust development to ultimately support a robotic mission to a planetary cave—principally the Moon and/or Mars. With the necessary financial investment and institutional support, the research and technological development required to achieve these necessary advancements over the next decade are attainable. Subsequently, we will be positioned to robotically examine lunar caves and search for evidence of life within Martian caves; in turn, this will set the stage for human exploration and potential habitation of both the lunar and Martian subsurface.
Key Points
Robotics and instrument advancements identified as linchpin focal areas for in situ study of planetary caves
Research and technological development required for lunar and/or Martian cave exploration is achievable in next decade with proper investment
First application of systematic and statistically rigorous social survey to identify science and engineering requirements in planetary science