Title: Turning Rocks into Rocket Fuel: Explosive Lunar Volcanic Deposits as a Potential In Situ Resource
Abstract: Not just a thing of the future or as seen in your favorite Sci-Fi novel, topics in lunar mining are now
driving technological innovation and new research. New surface exploration and geological research
techniques will be required to characterize the lunar surface and what resources may be available to
further our advance into the cosmos and reduce the economic and environmental costs of space
exploration. Join Dr. Lori Pigue, Physical Scientist with the U. S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Science
Center, in an exploration of the diversity and resource value of Lunar Pyroclastic Deposits. These
widespread volcanic deposits have been sourced from deep in the lunar subsurface, and could have
many important resource uses. She’ll give an in-depth look at the composition and physical properties of
these explosive volcanic deposits from remote sensing studies, and describe methods the USGS has
developed for understanding a deposit as a potential resource. Also learn about different student
opportunities and career paths with the U.S. Geological Survey and the USGS involvement in space
exploration.
Affiliation: Astrogeology Science Center for the
US Geological Survey