Principal scientific results of the Surveyor 3 Mission

Abstract

The fine lunar surface material at the Surveyor 3 landing site has about 3 × 10^3-dyne/cm^2 cohesion, 35° angle of internal friction, 3 × 10^5-dyne/cm^2 static bearing capacity. A small rock withstood a local pressure of 2 × 10^7 dynes/cm^2. Soil strength and density increase significantly at depths of a few centimeters. Exposed surface has a considerably higher albedo than the material just below it. The photometric function changed when the surface was slightly compressed. Fine surface material appears to be gradually moving downslope.

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