Recent Advances in Remote Sensing Research on Terrestrial Planets, Moons, and Small Bodies

Remote sensing technologies have revolutionized our understanding of terrestrial planets, moons, and other small bodies. With the resurgence of international planetary and lunar missions led by various countries, there is growing interest in exploring further the solar system. This exploration is vital as it helps reveal the properties of celestial bodies including their surface characteristics, internal structures and atmospheres. Recent technological advancements in radar, microwave, visible, and near-infrared spectroscopy have particularly enhanced our ability to scrutinize the nature and composition of these bodies.

This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding of the physical and compositional attributes of terrestrial planets, moons, and small celestial bodies through advanced remote sensing methodologies. This topic seeks to leverage the latest radar and microwave technology, as well as visible and near-infrared spectroscopy, to provide new insights into the surface and subsurface structures of these bodies. Enhanced remote sensing capabilities are crucial for improving theoretical models that understand the geological history of celestial bodies. Furthermore, this thematic collection strives to integrate data from remote sensing with in situ measurements to support both scientific inquiries and advances in space exploration capabilities.

To advance the knowledge in this evolving field, contributions addressing the following themes are encouraged:

• Detailed analysis of the physical and compositional properties of lunar and planetary surfaces
• Investigations of subsurface structures using radar and passive microwave detection
• Comparative studies between the Moon and other terrestrial bodies such as Mars, Mercury, and icy moons
• Examination of volcanic activity, impact cratering, and tectonic processes in shaping planetary and small bodies surfaces
• Exploration of potential resources and their implications for future space missions.

This Research Topic welcomes contributions in the form of Original Research, Review and Mini Review, Data report, and Perspective articles.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Moon, Terrestrial Bodies, Natural Satellite, radar, passive microwave, spectroscopy, remote sensing, icy satellites, small bodies

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.