Unprecedented Zipangu Underworld of the Moon and Mars Exploration (UZUME): Great resource-based exploration benefits

Abstract

In this century, three huge vertical holes of several tens of meters to about 100 m diameter and depth were discovered by SELENE (Kaguya) on the Moon. They might be skylights of subsurface volcanic caves such as lava tubes. Similar holes have also been discovered on Mars. Each lunar hole might be formed by the penetration of a meteorite on the lunar surface with an underground cave. Exploration involving entry into the lunar and Martian holes is being planned to investigate the subsurface caves. The exploration was designated as Unprecedented Zipangu Underworld of the Moon and Mars Exploration (UZUME). One purpose of UZUME is to resolve various planetary science issues. Another is to investigate the potential for utilization of the Moon and Mars. Caves, or possible lava tubes that are extending laterally from the bottom of the vertical holes, are expected to have great resource value, but they are apparently not well known. The ISECG Science Knowledge Gap Assessment team, for instance, claims that “the use of lunar lava tubes will not be a scenario in the near future” for various reasons. However, the team's claims must be reconsidered. As presented herein, with examination of the reasons for their claims, we again assert the resource value of lunar lava tubes.