Lunar Traverse Gravimeter
The Lunar Traverse Gravimeter was a lunar science experiment, deployed by astronauts on the lunar surface in 1972 as part of Apollo 17. The goal of the experiment was to use relative gravity measurements to infer potential attributes about the geological substrata near the Apollo 17 landing site.
Background
The concept of the experiment was to take a proven technology and methodology in the form of marine gravity surveys and design an instrument that could be operated in a mobile manner by an astronaut on the surface of the Moon. The direct inspiration for this instrument was the MIT Vibrating String Surface-Ship Gravimeter. This device was itself derived from surplus accelerometers, originally made by Bosch, that were in operational use on the SM-65 Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile.This type of accelerometer was a pendular accelerometer, where changes in gravity results in minute changes in the tension of a suspended vibrating string. These changes in the tension of the string result in a change of the strings harmonic resonance, which can be measured via an induced voltage as the string passes through a permanent magnetic field.
Inertial guidance accelerometers, like those in intercontinental ballistic missiles, were particularly suited to the purpose of an astronaut operated traversal gravimeter due to three main attributes: a large range of sensitivity, comparatively small size and weight, and the ability to calibrate the instrument under low acceleration conditions.
Instrument
Built by Draper Laboratory, the instrument weighed approximately 25 lbs and was around 20 inches tall and 11 inches wide. Power to the instrument was provided by an internal 7.5 volt battery capable of outputting up to 340 watt hours over a 15-day period.The primary sensor used in the instrument was the Bosch Arma D4E Vibrating String Accelerometer. The sensor combined two strings, oriented in opposite directions and connected to each other. This was beneficial as the two strings and measurement points acting in opposite would counter any induced centripetal or tensional forces induced by the sensors permanent magnetic fields. Integration of the sensor and construction of the instrument housing and mounting was undertaken by Draper Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. To provide levelling, the sensor was mounted to a frame that sat in a two-axis gimbal. Sensors would direct motors that would level the gimbal in a proper orientation.
The vibrating string accelerometer was extremely sensitive to changes in temperature and so the instrument had a number of thermal control mechanisms. The sensor was housed within two nested ovens, that would work together to actively ensure the sensor was maintained at a temperature of 322 Kelvin with an accuracy of 0.01 Kelvin. The device was wrapped in a thermal blanket to provide insulation. The device was also equipped with a radiator that could be opened and closed depending on whether the device in use or not.
Operation and deployment
Measurements with the Lunar Traverse Gravimeter were taken in two types of deployment: where the gravimeter was mounted onto the back of the Lunar Roving Vehicle and where the gravimeter was placed on the lunar surface. The instrument was required to be operated within 15 degrees of vertical to facilitate leveling of the sensor. Measurement with the device took approximately three minutes, during which the experiment could not be disturbed. Measurements taken on the Moon would be compared to readings taken on Earth to arrive a relative measure of the Moon's gravity.A handle at the top of the instrument facilitated manual carrying of the instrument and three feet on the bottom of the device allowed the device to be placed directly onto the Moon's regolith. To regulate the devices temperature, when not in use on the lunar surface, the device would be placed in the shade with the radiator left open, emissively rejecting heat into space. The instrument was capable of providing a readout of the measured gravity within two minutes.