Spectral Instruments for Research in Geochemistry - SInRG

We propose to design, build, and evaluate a TRL 4 miniaturized (<150 g, <2.5 W) dual-mode instrument for measuring X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Mössbauer spectra. These two analytical techniques are key techniques in the geochemist’s toolbox. XRF delivers reliable elemental composition analyses of rock samples, while Mössbauer spectrometry offers detailed mineralogical information about the oxidation state and chemical bonding of iron atoms in the sample. Various versions of XRF have flown on nearly every major in situ planetary mission, and Mössbauer has delivered key science findings about mineralogy in the Solar System. Despite the heritage of these two techniques, ultraminiaturized versions of these spectrometers are not yet available for upcoming missions. We propose the development of a highly-miniaturized dual-mode XRF and Mössbauer spectrometer — Spectral Instruments for Research in Geochemistry, SInRG. This elegant combination offers savings in size, mass, and power (SMAP) over two independent instruments, and simultaneous data acquisition is synergistic for the science from both spectroscopies. Prior support enabled the development and demonstration of individual benchtop instruments for each function, and feasibility studies on the dual-mode instrument (TRL 4 for XRF, TRL 3 for Mössbauer and SInRG). By using piezoelectric actuation in lieu of traditional electromagnetic drives for the Mössbauer Doppler drive, coupled with use of the same detector, much of the same electronics, and an optimized shielding design, we can shrink the dual-mode instrument to a package size smaller than any prior XRF or Mössbauer individual instrument. The high level of component overlap with M2020’s PIXL instrument will be exploited for components and board designs that can be leveraged to ease the path to higher TRL upon exiting the PICASSO program. SInRG’s unprecedented miniaturization enables incorporation onto highly-constrained platforms, such as scout robots on the Moon or future Mars Helicopter concepts, as well as offering a readily-available low-footprint option for other missions. Under the proposed effort, we will build a dual-mode breadboard instrument by leveraging the prior work, component-level overlap, and similarities in instrument operations to integrate these two instruments into one and advance SInRG to a TRL of 4.

Development of new proof-of-concept instruments, systems or components, including sampling technologies, that significantly improve instrument measurement capabilities to address high priority science goals of planetary missions.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.