Denmark to Lead Historic Lunar Mapping Mission with Máni Satellite

Denmark Embarks on First Lunar Mission with Máni Satellite

Denmark is set to embark on its first-ever lunar mission, with the University of Copenhagen leading the ambitious Máni satellite project. This historic endeavor, recently approved by the European Space Agency (ESA) on December 16, aims to produce unprecedentedly detailed maps of the Moon's surface, paving the way for safer future landings and the establishment of lunar bases. The mission marks a significant milestone for Danish space research and innovation.

Mission Objectives and Advanced Technology

Scheduled for launch in 2029, the Máni satellite will orbit the Moon, focusing particularly on the crucial north and south polar regions. Its primary objective is to generate high-resolution images and detailed 3D topographical maps of the lunar terrain. The mission will employ advanced cameras and sensor technology, including innovative 'shape-from-shading' models developed at the Niels Bohr Institute, to achieve a mapping resolution as high as 20 centimeters per pixel. This level of detail is critical for:

• Identifying flat and stable sites for future spacecraft landings.
• Planning the safe movement of astronauts and robotic explorers across the lunar surface.
• Studying the Moon's south pole, an area of particular interest due to the potential presence of water ice.

The Máni mission will also map how light reflects from specific lunar areas, known as 'reflectance functions'. This data is expected to enhance measurements of Earth's albedo, thereby improving terrestrial climate models and aiding in the calibration of Earth observation satellites.

A Milestone for Danish Space Exploration

The Máni mission represents Denmark's largest and most complex satellite project to date, and it is the first time a Danish-led spacecraft will leave Earth's orbit under ESA leadership. The project is coordinated by the Globe Institute at the University of Copenhagen, with mission leadership provided by Associate Professor Jens Frydenvang. 'With this decision, the largest Danish satellite mission ever is on its way to becoming a reality. It's the first time Denmark will lead an ESA mission and the first time a Danish-led satellite will leave Earth's orbit,' stated Frydenvang. The Danish government has committed between 125 and 130 million kroner (approximately $12.3-$12.8 million USD) to the project, contributing to an estimated total mission budget of around 50 million euros (roughly 373 million kroner).

International Collaboration and Future Impact

The Máni mission is a collaborative effort involving a consortium of Danish and international academic and industrial partners. Key Danish academic institutions include Aalborg University, Aarhus University, the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), and the Danish Meteorological Institute. International partners include the Polish Academy of Sciences and Université Paris-Saclay. Industrial contributions are significant, with Danish company Space Inventor building the spacecraft, Scanway (Poland) developing the advanced optical payload, and partners from the Netherlands providing propulsion systems, and Slovenia supplying communication equipment.

The data collected by Máni will play a crucial role in supporting future lunar exploration efforts, including ESA's upcoming robotic missions and NASA's Artemis missions, which aim to return humans to the Moon. The satellite is expected to operate for three years, providing invaluable insights that could also be applied to mapping other celestial bodies, such as Mars.

Conclusion

The Máni mission represents a bold step for Denmark into the forefront of lunar exploration. By providing highly detailed maps of the Moon's surface, the mission will not only enhance the safety and efficiency of future lunar landings and base construction but also contribute to a deeper understanding of our own planet's climate. This collaborative international effort underscores Denmark's growing influence in the global space sector.