Robotic exploration missions provide vast amounts of data to help NASA prepare for future human exploration and learn more about the universe. Research Objective: The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) is imaging and measuring robotic and human sample sites on the moon in meter scales. Description: This image of the moon's surface reveals a natural bridge. Natural bridges on Earth are typically caused by wind and water erosion - an unlikely scenario on the moon. This feature was likely shaped by a dual collapse into a lava tube that formed in the ancient past as mare (plains) were created. The bridge is about 7 m wide, 20 m long and spans between 6-12 m above the lunar surface. Location: This natural bridge is located in impact melt on the north rim of King Crater. Application: Identifying regions where the complex lunar subsurface is exposed will allow future explorers to readily sample materials from depth and better understand the full range of geologic processes. More Information: About LRO About LROC Download PowerPoint file
