Ground Truth Calibration of Lunar Imaging Spectrometers – A Review

Imaging spectrometers provide valuable data on the composition and history of planetary surfaces. Lunar samples returned to Earth reflect the characteristics of the specific lunar region from which they originate. They are used to calibrate data containing spectral reflective characteristics. Lunar sample 62231, taken and returned to Earth by the astronauts from the Apollo 16 mission, is characterized as a mature highland soil. It is standardly used for calibrating data recorded by optical spectrometers (0.3-3µm), studying the lunar surface. The process of analyzing and interpreting data on the lunar surface’s mineral composition is greatly enhanced by maintaining consistent calibration and aligning with prior studies. This paper provides a review of the application of sample 62231 from the lunar surface and various considerations and reserves associated with it, drawing from an extensive overview of referenced science papers.