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Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)
GFSC, in partnership with Arizona State University, has been developing the use of Molecular Electronic Transducer (MET) technology in the development of a future planetary seismometer instrument. MET technology allows for the detection of minute vibrations via induced motions in an electrolyte liquid. In this IRAD we will explore the use of this technology for a cost-effective particle detector system. Such a system would be useful for future planetary missions such as an Enceladus plume explorer where information on the density of plume particles encountered by a spacecraft is of interest.
The MET Particle Detector will allow the detection of small impacts of space dust with a cost-effective system. Ideally such a system would allow the detection of dust grains on NASA planetary missions. For example, a MET Particle Detector could determine particle density in Enceladus’ plumes as a spacecraft traverses them. Enceladus plume sample missions are focused on life detection and very little mission resources are available to secondary payloads. A MET Particle Detector can help characterize the plume environment where a plume sample is collected with relatively modest costs in terms of mass and power. As another potential application, a similar system set on the surface of the Moon could serve to monitor micro-meteorite impacts.
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