A pulsed neutron gamma-ray system for Mars rover missions

Author

Trombka, Jacob I. ; Starr, Richard D. ; Groves, Joel ; Akkurt, Hatice ; Evans, Larry G. ; McCoy, Timothy J. ; Parsons, Ann M. ; Schweitzer, Jeffrey ; Amatucci, Edward ; Smith, Miles T. ; Floyd, Samuel ; McClanahan, Timothy P.

Author_Institution

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD

fYear

2005

fDate

5-12 March 2005

Firstpage

681

Lastpage

690

Abstract

A pulsed neutron gamma-ray system (PNGS) can be used to determine the subsurface planetary geochemistry on rover missions to Mars and other planetary bodies. These data can be used to unravel the history of formation of biogenic materials, characterize the climate, explore the geology and characterize the radiation environment. We have performed feasibility studies for a pulsed neutron/gamma-ray system (PNGS) to operate on a Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) type rover. It has been developed to meet the MSL rover mission constraints on mass and power limitations, temperature and radiation effects, and reliable operation for long periods of time

Keywords

Mars; astronomical instruments; gamma-ray apparatus; planetary atmospheres; planetary rovers; Mars Science Laboratory; Mars rover; biogenic materials; climate characteristic; planetary geochemistry; pulsed neutron gamma-ray system; Chemical elements; Extraterrestrial measurements; Geologic measurements; History; Mars; Minerals; NASA; Neutrons; Space missions; Space technology;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Aerospace Conference, 2005 IEEE

Conference_Location

Big Sky, MT

Print_ISBN

0-7803-8870-4

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/AERO.2005.1559358

Filename

1559358