Long-Range Active Time-Resolved Laser Spectroscopic Instruments for Lunar Exploration - Mineralogy, Volatiles and Chemistry of Lunar Regolith
Abstract
Landed missions at the lunar poles are likely to encounter unique mineralogies and chemistries unknown from Apollo Missions. For example, hematite was recently detected at high lunar latitudes, a discovery unanticipated owing to the very reducing nature of the lunar surface and interior. In regions of permanent shadow, a variety of volatile compounds are expected, including various ices and organics. This environment may also host alteration minerals as volatiles may react with silicates in small impacts or in ejecta blankets. Proper understanding of this unique environment will require a generalized mineralogical sensor that is capable of detecting a wide range of compounds. Active time-resolved (TR) spectroscopic techniques have advances in recent years, and has the advantage of being able to be operated at relatively long ranges (Raman detection has been reported at ranges over a km). A combined two components remote Raman and LIBS with low-power lasers has been reported at ranges over 100s of meters.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2020
- Bibcode:
- 2020AGUFMP027.0008P
- Keywords:
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- 6225 Mars;
- PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLAR SYSTEM OBJECTS;
- 6297 Instruments and techniques;
- PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLAR SYSTEM OBJECTS