Remote Sensing X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry for Future Lunar Exploration Missions
Abstract
Measurement of discrete line X-ray emission from space can be used to obtain both qualitative and quantitative elemental surface composition information. Remote orbital X-ray elemental analysis is the measurement of characteristic X-rays following the interaction of solar X-rays with the surface of a given solid body. Thus, X-ray emission from a surface is strongly dependent on the incident solar spectrum as well as on the chemical composition of the surface. In this paper, the relationship between the solar flux and the major lunar element fluorescence and scattered X-ray flux is characterized. A model was developed to calculate lunar surface X-ray fluorescence emission spectra under a variety of solar conditions and, in particular, conditions that might be expected for a Lunar Scout mission proposed for 1995 or 1996. This time period should be during solar minimum.
- Publication:
-
Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
- Pub Date:
- March 1993
- Bibcode:
- 1993LPI....24..305C
- Keywords:
-
- Chemical Composition;
- Lunar Exploration;
- Remote Sensing;
- Solar Spectra;
- Solar X-Rays;
- Spectrometers;
- Surface Layers;
- X Ray Fluorescence;
- X Ray Spectroscopy;
- Emission Spectra;
- Energy Spectra;
- Lunar Surface;
- Solar Activity Effects;
- Solar Flux;
- X Ray Analysis;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration