In-situ and Remote Characterization of Lunar Surface Using Standoff micro-Raman Sensor (SUCR)

The Standoff Ultra-Compact micro-Raman (SUCR) sensor has been developed to TRL-4 for lunar operations relevant to both scientific research and ISRU prospecting. This sensor was developed to identify geological materials that exists on the lunar surface, specifically minerals/glasses, ices, and other volatile compounds. SUCR is designed for continual use from microscopic (<1 cm) to far field (>1-meter). SUCR is time gated Raman mapping spectrometer which provides a superior capability to operate under ambient lighting conditions, without sample collection. SUCR is compact with low mass and can easily be accommodated with different lander architectures, including as part of payloads on stationary landers, drilling rigs, or rovers. We propose to upgrade, optimize, and reduce size of the SUCR sensor by optimizing the optical and mechanical design. Our proposed objective is to mature the SUCR sensor from TRL-4 to TRL-6 under the Development and Advancement of Lunar Instrumentation (DALI) program. We will perform environmental qualification tests (Random Vibration, TVAC, EMC/EMI, etc.) of electronic parts, laser transmitter, ICCD camera, and optical components for spectrograph. Additionally, we will optimize both survival temperature and operational temperature ranges for optimized operations over lunar daily solar cycles. At every stage of development, we will evaluate the SUCR sensor's ability to characterize and identify samples (e.g., lunar simulants, natural rocks, volatile species, etc.). At the end of the 3 year program we will apply for Apollo samples for final verification and validation. These activities can assist the lunar surface science investigations from Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) and the Artemis. The upgraded SUCR technology bears a new capability that will generate 2-D area images. Using Raman spectroscopy it will analyze the lunar regolith (minerals/glasses), identify various forms of water, solid CO2, etc. In the development of SUCR to TRL-4, we have demonstrated that the SUCR technology can quickly detect ISRU relevant minerals and species, such as Hydrated minerals, Pyroxene, Olivine, Plagioclase, Feldspars, Anorthite, etc. By developing a sensor that has variable focal lengths, we will demonstrate a detection concept that has potential for wide ranging operations. Remote identification of mineralogy will return site geology, important for putting measurements in wider context. Proximity measurements allow for understanding grains and grain boundaries for understanding history of a single sample. One example deployment would be on a lunar rover where it could analyze targets as a tool on the robotic arm, as a part of the rover mast for remote sensing or stationed where it could analyze the fines kicked off the surface by the wheels during transit. Water ice present on the lunar surface, needs to be in an environment that is protected from sublimating due to incident solar radiation. When that protective layer is removed, highly volatile material such as ice, would be expected to quickly evaporate under direct lighting conditions. Because SUCR can analyze under any ambient conditions within second, it is enabling technology for the detection of volatile species that could be present under the outer protective layer of the lunar surface. When utilized during rover drives, AI-generated algorithms, can map the location of volatiles so that strategies can be developed to obtain these species.

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.

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