Rapid Optical Characterization Suite for in situ Target Analysis of Rock Surfaces (ROCSTAR)

Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)

Description

In this project, we develop an in situ instrument suite that can accomplish rapid mineral and molecular identification without sample preparation for in situ planetary exploration.

ROCSTAR is an in situ instrument suite that can accomplish rapid mineral and molecular identification without sample preparation for in situ planetary exploration; inform the investigation with regard to trace element geochemical deviation from end member stioichiometry; operation as a spectroscopic imager for chemical mapping. It includes dual wavelength Raman spectroscopy, 380 - 2500 nm reflectance spectroscopy, visual imagery and thermal measurements.

Benefits

N/A

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > In Situ Instruments and Sensors > Atomic and Molecular Species Assessment
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2011-10-01
End date	2012-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Brook Lakew — brook.lakew@nasa.gov
Pamela G Conrad
Barbara J Zukowski — barbara.j.zukowski@nasa.gov
Peter A Morey — peter.a.morey@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.