A team of astronauts and planetary scientists is setting foot in the fjords of Lofoten, Norway, taking one step closer to understanding Moon geology. 

ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet and NASA’s Jessica Wittner  are the trainees for the latest phase of ESA’s PANGAEA geology campaign. They will be joined on site by Arnaud Prost, member of the ESA Astronaut Reserve, as part of a cooperation agreement between ESA and the French space agency CNES. 

ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet observes the mineral assemblage of anorthositic rocks analogue to the lunar highlands. Credits: ESA/V. Crobu

This marks the fourth time astronauts have visited this corner of the Arctic to train with ESA in lunar geology. Lofoten is one of the few locations in the world that shares geological features with the Moon’s bright, heavily cratered regions – the lunar highlands. 

The three astronauts have already completed PANGAEA sessions across Europe, focusing on fundamental geological field skills in Italy, impact cratering in Germany and volcanism in Spain.

NASA astronaut Jessica Wittner with Norwegian geologist Käre Kullerud discussing anorthosite samples from Lofoten Islands. Credits: ESA/V. Crobu

Glacier erosion reveals Moon-like rocks

Once buried beneath massive ice sheets and glaciers, the Lofoten region was carved and polished over thousands of years into dramatic peaks and sweeping valleys. This glacial sculpting exposed extensive areas of an unusual crystalline rock – anorthosite.  While anorthosite is rare on Earth, it makes up a significant part of the Moon’s surface.

ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet documents a felsic dike exposed on the top of the Flakstadoy mountain. Credits: ESA/V. Crobu

“Lofoten offers one of the finest exposures of anorthosite on Earth. It is an ideal location to introduce astronauts to these rare intrusive rocks and to train their geological field skills in preparation for the next phases of human spaceflight,” says PANGAEA’s course director Samuel Payler.

More field work 

Before setting off to explore, the astronauts will analyse spectral images from satellites and drones, along with detailed geological maps, to plan their exploration activities. 

Three maps views of the Lofoten area in Norway: satellite, geologic and spectral.

Equipped with microscopes, spectrometers and geological tools, the trainees will work to solve the puzzle of how these anorthosites formed and uncover parallels with those found on the lunar surface. 

The trainees will rely on a custom app, the Electronic Field Book, to document their scientific findings and produce a geological map as they scout the area. 

Walking though the Flakstadoy massif, astronauts document intrusive rock outcrops. Credits: ESA/V. Crobu

“It is a true test of the astronauts’ scientific exploration skills on multiple levels – requiring them to combine theoretical knowledge, effective communication, and practical field expertise to make sense of a complex natural environment” says Samuel.

From small details to the big picture

During the Norwegian expedition, the astronauts will spend time exploring independently. Instructors encourage them to focus on small details to build a broader geological understanding and see the bigger picture.

NASA sstronaut Jessica Wittner and astronaut reserve Arnaud Prost are analysing a rock with a portable near-infrared spectrometer to identify the mineral phases. Credits: ESA/V. Crobu

“We want to open new dimensions in the way they explore. By combining orbital and spectral imagery with field validation, they will gain a deeper understanding of how the key elements of a scientific exploration mission work together and learn to leverage these tools to maximise the chances of making new and meaningful discoveries,” says Loredana Bessone, PANGAEA project leader.

 In future missions to the Moon, scientists will use a range of tools to meticulously plan where astronauts will land and explore. But once on the lunar surface, it will be the astronauts’ geological expertise that proves crucial to the mission’s success.

ESA astronaut reserve Arnaud Prost analysing the mineral composition of an intrusive rock through the EFB spectrometer and machine learning system. Credits: ESA/V. Crobu

ESA’s PANGAEA course has provided astronauts with Earth and planetary geology knowledge since 2016. The course has trained 16 astronauts from four space agencies to become effective partners for scientists and engineers in designing and executing future exploration missions.