The lunar space environment monitor (LUSEM), a high-tech device being developed by Korea, will be installed in NASA's unmanned lunar probe in 2024. Shown here is a model of LUSEM's sensor head.

By Park Hye Ri and Kim Hayeon

Photos = Ministry of Science and ICT

The lunar space environment monitor (LUSEM) being developed in Korea will be installed on an unmanned lunar probe of NASA slated for launch in 2024.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) on Nov. 18 said the U.S. space agency confirmed its decision to mount the Korean-made gadget on the probe.

In May, the government signed the Artemis Accords during its bilateral summit with the U.S., and both sides have continued discussing what parts of the Artemis program Korea can participate in. One possibility is to have private companies develop, launch, land and operate unmanned lunar probes under NASA's planning and management.  

LUSEM is a sensor that detects high-energy particles with 50 keV (kiloelectron volts) on the moon's surface. A research team at Kyung Hee University in Seoul under KASI supervision is developing the device.  

Unlike on the ground, high-energy particles flying in space are known to be detected on the moon's surface and outer space, both of which are not protected by an atmosphere. Because the impact of the particles has not been accurately verified, the need for research on manned space exploration has been continuously raised.

LUSEM will observe high-energy particles of 50 keV or higher, something never measured before, and conduct scientific research including cosmic weathering in celestial bodies without an atmosphere.

"Based on this achievement, we plan more efforts to expand the scope of our nation's participation in the Artemis program," said Kwon Hyun-joon, a senior official at the ministry's Space, Nuclear and Big Science Policy Bureau.

Meanwhile, related institutions and research teams such KASI plan to develop and produce models for certification and flight based on LUSEM's conceptual design and engineering models. 

The image shows the operative mechanism of the lunar space environment monitor.

hrhr@korea.kr