This effort will produce a design for a compact, low-power optical MEMS-based seismometer that will be rugged enough for use on the Moon; such a device will find use for seismic sensing on other solar system bodies as NASA missions explore asteroids, Mars and elsewhere. The sensitivity of the device is such that it can be used for sensitive studies of acceleration in spacecraft, for example to study atmospheric drag on satellites. Extremely rugged sensors normally used for space applications will also find terrestrial work in seismic studies near active volcanoes and other extreme Earth-bound environments. The base technology will result in low-cost accelerometers, no matter the application. The components are inexpensive, and the fabrication and packaging do not require highly-specialized environments, unlike micro-fabricated devices. We anticipate such instrument to penetrate the market because its reliability and affordability. Applications for such an accelerometer encompass a broad range of activities. They include: --Geological research: mining and oil prospecting --Earth sciences --Space exploration: satellite drag measurements, docking, navigation --Homeland security: footstep detection, tampering, entry and illicit activities --Building safety --Academic research --Vehicle safety research
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