Center Innovation Fund: ARC CIF
A Drill-Integrated Gamma Ray/Neutron Detector for Solar System Exploration
Project Introduction
Our approach includes further customizing and simplifying the current design for integration into a drill. We will reduce the number of channels, split design into front-end (scintillator and pre-amp) and back-end (digitization, processing). We will also perform a radiation-tolerance assessment and system design, and identify clear upgrade path that minimizes risk to TRL. Finally, we will fabricate/test detector in a neutron/gamma environment and subject the detector to the anticipated environment.
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Anticipated Benefits
While borehole tools are commonly used on Earth, these terrestrial tools are unsuitable for space applications. With a more suitable drill, coupled with a gamma/ neutron detector, we will open the door to subsurface nuclear geochemistry measurements. We plan to customize and simplify current design for integration into a drill, and test detector in operational environment.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, CA |
| Honeybee Robotics, Ltd. | Supporting Organization | Industry | Pasadena, CA |
| University of Cape Town | Supporting Organization | International Organization |
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Ames Research Center (ARC)
Responsible Program:
- Center Innovation Fund: ARC CIF
Project Management
Program Director:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Oct 2017
End: Sep 2018
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 4 |
| Current: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Target Destination
Others Inside the Solar System
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