Multi-criteria GIS analysis of the topography of the Moon and better solutions for potential landing

Abstract

During the past twenty years, the need to reach the Moon by the private space missions has been growing. Some of the private missions are supported by Google Lunar X-prize and Space-X. In the period between 2020 and 2050 private companies will be planning landing to the Moon with their own capacity. These missions can send new geodesy and cartography data. Lunar topography modelling with new satellite and remote sensing data gives plenty of possibilities for its exploration. GIS (Geographical Information System) may be successfully to the Moon topography analysis. According to the results after GIS numerical analysis 30% of the territory of the Moon showed excellent characteristics for landing. The most useful parts of the Moon for potential landing belong to the altitude between 2,000 and 3,000 m and on the plateaus with the north-east direction of azimuth. These plateaus have an excellent inclination of 3 degrees and azimuth of 120 degrees. The main aim and goal of this investigation would be in better understanding of Moon topography and relief. With help of GIS numerical methods, the astronomical geodesy may be applied in better way. A potential mission to the Moon can use this topography investigation, presented maps and results.