Current hurdles and technological roadmap for processing lunar hyperspectral orbiter data

Current hurdles and technological roadmap for processing lunar hyperspectral orbiter data
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 23, 2025

Spectral imagers have become vital tools in the quest to unravel the Moon's mineralogical makeup, playing a central role in today's lunar science missions. As interest grows in acquiring higher-quality remote sensing data, demands are increasing for instruments capable of capturing broader wavelength ranges with finer spectral and spatial resolution. Yet these technical gains bring a suite of data processing complexities, necessitating the development of advanced methodologies to extract scientifically valuable results.

A recent review published in the Journal of Geo-information Science by Dr. ZHANG Peng, Dr. LIU Wanyue, and colleagues from the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, provides a detailed overview of current progress and enduring challenges in the field of lunar hyperspectral data analysis.

The report consolidates key information about existing lunar spectral orbital datasets, outlining payload capabilities and summarizing related scientific findings. It highlights the intricate technical demands spanning the full data pipeline, from initial preprocessing and radiometric adjustments to the retrieval of lunar surface parameters.

One of the core insights from the review is the essential role of high-resolution spectral imaging in pushing the boundaries of lunar science. These data can yield new understanding of surface formation processes, expose previously hidden geological structures, and help assess in-situ resource potential. Furthermore, hyperspectral observations are expected to be instrumental in guiding site selection for future crewed missions and permanent lunar installations by enabling pinpoint mineral identification.

Ultimately, the authors present this work as a crucial reference for scientists and mission architects seeking to optimize the use of orbital hyperspectral data. It lays the groundwork for future research and operational frameworks, ensuring that advances in instrumentation are matched by equally sophisticated processing capabilities.

Research Report:Current Status and Future Challenges of Key Technologies for Processing Lunar Hyperspectral Orbit Data