Geological mapping of the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin region of the Moon

Thorough analysis and synthesis of available image, topographic, and spectral data, have enabled us to derive a comprehensive geological map (mapping scale: 1:500,000) of the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin region. Our map encompasses additional major basins, such as Ingenii, Apollo, Schrödinger, and Orientale basins, that we employed as stratigraphic markers. A variety of plains-forming units were identified from multiple time periods, including light and dark plains from the Nectarian to the Eratosthenian period. Additionally, craters from diverse geological time periods were identified and catalogued. Published absolute model ages were documented and compared to provide a chronology for the stratigraphic units. In the present study, the majority of interpreted stratigraphic geological units are consistent with published absolute model ages. However, inconsistencies between various published studies are also addressed, resulting primarily due to discrepancies in the use of different stratigraphic systems and the derivation of absolute model ages. A variety of scientific questions and issues pertinent to the SPA basin are addressed with our geological map, such as stratigraphic age, morphological and spectral characteristics of the basin, and formation history of the basin. Finally, we establish the context for key targets for sample return and in situ investigation, in light of supporting scientific objectives related to understanding the Moon's early impact history, determining the age of the SPA basin, and volcanism, as well as providing an evaluation of the materials relevant to scientific discovery and resource utilization.