12th March 2019
Abstract
PESGB Members do not need to register to attend
There is renewed scientific interest in returning to the Moon, especially to determine the lunar geology below the meteorite-shattered regolith surface, its volatile content and the identification of potential resources for future human space exploration. Plans to drill a borehole to 100m, an ambitious step beyond the 2.9m depth achieved at the Apollo 17 site in 1972, are being developed.
Exploration drilling on Earth and deep drilling on the Moon pose different technical challenges although there are parallels, starting with the geological prognosis, similar to an oilfield exploration play and technology and knowledge transfer opportunities between both industries.
In the last decade, automation in oil and gas drilling has advanced considerably. Combing these advances with the reliability required for drilling in the demanding conditions of space and the clinical attention to detail required by space agencies, has the potential to make future terrestrial and extra-terrestrial drilling more reliable and therefore improve efficiency.
The lecture will address the goals, challenges and current thinking that deep drilling on the Moon entails and the new geoscience knowledge that could be obtained, whilst drawing parallels with terrestrial exploration drilling.
Video
Venue Information
Venue information
Venue name:
The Geological Society, London
Venue phone:
+44 (0)20 7434 9944