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Spectrometer for Measuring Water Ice on Airless Bodies

Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

We propose to develop and demonstrate breadboard of a multi-wavelength to identify possible water ice and frost on the surface. The results will enable unambiguous mapping of the amount of the water ice and water-related species, such as chemically bound water, adsorbed water, hydroxyl, and ice. 

The objective of this IRAD is to continue the development of a multi-wavelength spectrometer. Here we propose an instrument concept used to change the wavelength to measure surface. The new concept can be used to map the water ice and frost on any airless bodies, such as the Moon and comets, at a greater sensitivity to the elements under study.

Benefits

Future missions to study the moon, asteroid, and comets. 

Details

Technology areaSensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Lasers
ProgramCenter Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organizationGoddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date2014-10-01
End date2015-10-01

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