An instrument dedicated to our invisible shield
LEXI (Lunar Environment Heliospheric By repelling charged particles projected by the Sun, the magnetosphere acts as an invisible guardian, protecting our satellites and our infrastructure from electromagnetic disturbances.
More specifically, researchers hope that LEXI will make it possible to observe the “breathing” of the magnetosphere, a fascinating phenomenon where it contracts under the effect of an intense solar wind, before expanding as the pressure decreases. . These observations could provide valuable tools to better anticipate the impacts of solar storms on the Earth and its infrastructure.
A second life for a forgotten instrument
LEXI is not a recent creation, but the result of a second chance given to a promising technology. Initially designed under the name STORM in 2012, this instrument was developed to test X-ray observation capabilities over a wide field of view. On his first mission, he was sent briefly into space aboard a sounding rocket, where he captured valuable data before returning to Earth. Subsequently, the instrument was stored in a display case at the Goddard Space Flight Center, becoming a forgotten curiosity within the research center.
Everything changed when a call for projects was launched as part of the CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) program, aimed at offering innovative and rapid solutions for lunar exploration. NASA researchers then saw a unique opportunity to bring STORM back to life. The instrument was carefully restored, with updates and repairs to modernize its components while preserving its technological core. Thus transformed, STORM became LEXI, ready to accomplish an ambitious scientific mission from the lunar surface.
“ We literally broke the ice – or rather opened the window – to rehabilitate this instrument and give it a second life on the Moon “, says Brian Walsh, space physicist at Boston University. This high-tech recycling underlines the importance of valorizing existing tools by adapting them to constantly evolving scientific contexts.
In this visualization, the LEXI instrument is shown aboard Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost 1 mission, which will deliver 10 Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) payloads to the Moon. Credits: Firefly Aerospace
Why the Moon?
The Moon offers a strategic position for observing the magnetosphere. Unlike an Earth-orbiting satellite, LEXI will be able to capture a stable, continuous overview of the outer edge of our magnetic shield. This perspective will make it possible to study how the magnetosphere reacts to different intensities of the solar wind, a phenomenon that is still poorly understood.
By also observing magnetic reconnection events — mergers of magnetic field lines that release energetic particles — LEXI could answer fundamental questions. Are these events happening simultaneously in multiple locations? Are they irregular or do they follow a predictable pattern? This valuable data will help understand the complex dynamics between the Sun and our planet.
In addition to the scientific interest, 's observations have very concrete implications. The solar wind, when it enters the Earth's atmosphere, can cause spectacular northern lights. But it can also cause damage to satellites, disrupt GPS networks and affect energy infrastructure on the ground. By precisely mapping the interactions between the solar wind and the magnetosphere, LEXI could provide essential data to prevent these effects.
“ Understanding how nature behaves helps us protect our space and terrestrial infrastructure “, underlines Hyunju Connor. This knowledge could even lead to early warning systems for solar flares, thereby limiting the risks to our technologies.
A mission carried by the Blue Ghost lander
For this mission, LEXI will be transported to the Moon by the lander Blue Ghosta machine developed by the company Firefly Aerospace as part of the program CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) of NASA. Designed to meet the specific needs of lunar missions, Blue Ghost is a multi-purpose lander capable of delivering a variety of science and technology payloads to the Moon's surface.
LEXI won't travel alone: it will be accompanied by nine other scientific instruments, each with a distinct purpose, ranging from environmental monitoring to astronomy research. This “grouped delivery” model not only optimizes costs, but also increases opportunities for scientific experiments on the Moon. By transporting these payloads, Blue Ghost will therefore play an essential role in the democratization of lunar exploration, by offering a reliable and accessible platform for both government and private missions. Launch planned for mid-January.
Source: NASA
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
