Apollo Lunar Surface
Experiment Package (ALSEP)
Lunar Neutron Probe (LNP)
Experiment
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LNP and rammer in deep core hole with Apollo 17 ALSEP
site in background. Note gold thermal/neutron cover next to it on
the ground.
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Pre-flight photo of LNP, stowed configuration
.
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Above Left - Diagram of LNP, showing inner workings
Above Right - LNP in stowed and deployed configuration
Apollo Experiment Number: S 229
Apollo Missions: 17
Wt: 2.27 kg
Dim: 2.35 meters long X 2 cm diameter
The Lunar Neutron Probe was essentially a hollow
rod which was enplaced into a deep core hole at the ALSEP site. Inside
the rod were various materials designed to trap neutrons. These data
in turn would yield information on how rapidly the lunar surface (regolith)
was being turned over by meteoric bombardment from space, whcich turned
out to be about 1 cm per one million years! Hence, the footprints
left behind by the Apollo astronauts may well still be intact long after
the human race has ceased to exist, or evolved into a new and different
form.
This is the end of my ALSEP section. I hope you enjoyed
learning about
this fascinating group of experiments!
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