Title :
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
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;
Conference_Titel :
Aerospace Conference, 2005 IEEE
Conference_Location :
Big Sky, MT
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-8870-4
DOI :
10.1109/AERO.2005.1559358
