Quantitative Mineral Maps of the Lunar South Polar Region Derived From the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M ³ ) Data

Abstract The lunar south polar region has been a focus of human exploration due to its potential rich water‐ice and mineral resources. However, scientific exploration of this area based on spectral data is limited due to challenging lighting conditions and complex topography. In this work, we used the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M 3 ) and Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) reflectance data to construct a hyperspectral cube in the lunar 83°–90°S region. Mineralogical abundance maps of the four major lunar minerals were derived from M 3 data at a spatial resolution of ∼193 m/pixel. Quantitative mineral maps of four common lunar minerals, including high‐calcium pyroxene (HCP), low‐calcium pyroxene (LCP), olivine, and plagioclase, were derived from the M 3 data, with abundance ranges consistent with those from the Kaguya Spectral Profiler (SP) data. The high‐resolution mineral maps enhance the identification of mineral distribution details, such as purest anorthosite enrichment in the crater wall and floor of the Shackleton Crater. Comprehensive analysis of the mineral abundance maps reveals geological characteristics and potential effects of impact events, with particular emphasis on Artemis III mission landing site candidates. Pyroxene enrichment detected in the De Gerlache‐Kocher Massif region may present an opportunity to collect South Pole‐Aitken ejecta materials.