CubeSat with Nanostructured Sensing Instrumentation for Planetary Exploration
Project Description
The University of Southern California and University of Utah propose an innovative concept study to develop a CubeSat integrated with a new, nanosensor based instrument for low cost in situ analysis of asteroid and comet composition. The new instrument utilizes a TiO2 nanotube sensing platform with integrated compound semiconductor nanowires to determine surface composition element via Neutron Activated Analysis (NAA). This technique requires no sample preparation and collection operation, and is able to detect over 74 trace elements in parts per billion (ppb) range. The instrument is low cost, low power, low mass, compact, and disposable, thus making it potentially useful for integration with a CubeSat. This research will investigate the feasibility of an innovative, low cost, CubeSat based planetary mission concept which applies the proposed instrument for in situ ground truth analysis of small asteroids and comets.
More »Anticipated Benefits
NASA's planetary science objective is to advance scientific knowledge of the origin and history of the solar system, the potential for life, and the hazards and resources present as humans explore space. Surface composition analysis is a top science priority of NASA's planetary science program. For instance, the planetary science decadal survey lists Comet Surface Sample Return and Lunar South Pole-Aitken Basin Sample Return as high priority medium class missions, and Mars Astrobiology Explorer as a high priority large class mission. One of the scientific objectives of the Comet and Lunar Sample return missions is to characterize the surface region sampled. One of the scientific objectives of the Mars Astrobiology Explorer mission is to perform in situ science on Mars samples to look for evidence of ancient life or pre-biotic chemistry. The proposed sensor is directly relevant to NASA's planetary science objectives.
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California (USC) | Lead Organization | Academia | Los Angeles, California |
| University of Utah | Supporting Organization | Academia | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Utah State University (USU) | Supporting Organization |
Academia
Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (ANNH)
|
Logan, Utah |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
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California
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Utah
