Detailed topographic and geomorphological analyses of Chang'e-6 landing area

Abstract

China's Chang'e-6 (CE-6) mission landed successfully in the Apollo basin inside the South Pole-Aitken basin, marking the first lunar farside sample return mission. Prior to the landing of the probe, detailed analyses of the topography and geomorphology of the target landing area are necessary to ensure a safety landing. This paper presents the approaches and results of topographic and geomorphological analyses for the 28 km × 6 km pre-selected landing area of the CE-6 mission. First, a seamless digital orthophoto map (DOM) of the area with resolution of 1 m/pixel is produced using the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Narrow Angle Camera images. Second, a 1 m/pixel resolution digital elevation model (DEM) of this area is generated based on the deep learning terrain reconstruction method, and topographic analysis is conducted based on the DEM. Third, on the basis of the DOM and DEM data, typical geomorphological features within the pre-selected landing area, such as craters and rocks, are extracted and their properties are analyzed. The above topographic data and analyses results directly supported detailed landing site selection and safe landing for the CE-6 mission, and provide fundamental information for further scientific investigations of the landing area and the collected samples.