Study of lunar regolith harnessed during Apollo and Luna space programs based on Principal Component Analysis

Abstract

Abstract A modern principal component analysis of the chemical properties of lunar soils was conducted. This multivariate statistics approach is currently easily available for scientists due to computing power unimaginable in 1970. Both American and Soviet results acquired during the Apollo and Luna missions were analysed and compared. The results were visualised in two and three-dimensional spaces. The key similarities and differences between the properties of the lunar soils were determined. The sources of possible differences in the properties of particular lunar soils were conceptualised. The directions of possible new research were defined.