Comprehensive Study of the Lunar Energetic Particle Environment with LunPAN

TL;DR

LunPAN is a proposed lunar mission employing advanced instruments to map particle spectra, including cosmic rays and albedo particles, to enhance space physics, lunar science, and exploration safety.

Contribution

This study introduces the LunPAN mission concept with innovative instruments Pix.PAN and NeuPix for comprehensive lunar particle environment measurement.

Findings

Design of Pix.PAN for high-resolution charged particle detection

Development of NeuPix for neutron and gamma-ray spectral measurements

Mission acceptance by ESA for pre-A phase study

Abstract

LunPAN (Lunar Particle Analyzer Network) is a three-year mission proposal designed to comprehensively map the particle spectra in the lunar radiation field. It aims to provide precise measurements of Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR), Solar Energetic Particles (SEP), and albedo particles, including charged particles, neutrons, and gamma-rays, originating from the Moon's surface. Therefore it will contribute to fundamental space physics, lunar geology sciences, space weather prediction, and radiation risk assessment for future lunar explorations. This is achieved through two state-of-the-art instruments; Pix.PAN and NeuPix. Pix.PAN is a compact magnetic spectrometer designed for precise measurements of penetrating charged particles, ranging from 100 MeV to 10 GeV. Based on the Mini.PAN project, Pix.PAN employs thin silicon pixel sensors optimized for energy resolution and particle identification. NeuPix is a hybrid active pixel sensor system capable of detecting neutrons, gamma-rays, and lower-energy charged particles between 10MeV and 100 MeV. Utilizing innovative sensor-converter combinations, NeuPix will provide spectral measurements of lunar albedo neutrons and gamma-ray fluxes. Currently, the LunPAN mission is accepted by ESA's "Small Missions for Exploration - Destination the Moon" call for a pre-A phase study. We will discuss mission outline and expected scientific performance of the PixPAN and NeuPix.