MIR3000 for Lunar Mineralogy and Volatile Detection.

We are developing a mid-IR sensor (2.5 - 10 m), the MIR3000, for in situ sensing of silicate mineralogy for lunar surface explorations, targeting NASA PRISM, CLPS, and ARTEMIS programs. The MIR3000 will characterize the Christianson Feature (CF) in the MIR spectra and detect the structural H2O/OH of lunar surface materials. In other word, this sensor will characterize the degree of polymerization of lunar silicates, which bears high scientific significance in exploration of the silica-rich Gruithuisen Domes (PRISM 2 target). Development of MIR3000 is based on a set of mature technology. These technology developments were supported by two NASA ASTID projects in the past and now by a SSERVI node, ICE FIVE-O, concentrating on their suitability for operation in lunar vacuum. A recent vacuum test of its IR emitter shows its functioning normally and an optical power 2.2 times of that in air, with high power efficiency and low heat dissipation. Another set of vacuum and low temperature tests demonstrated the suitability of its IR detector for lunar environment. MIR3000 will operate in two modes, a passive thermal emission mode for characterizing Christianson Feature (CF), and an active reflectance mode for structural H2O/OH detection. MIR3000 will have a total mass < 400 grams, total volume about 8´8´6 cm, and a power consumption < 4 W, and to accomplish a Mid-IR measurement in a few seconds. MIR3000 will be easily adapted onto a lunar lander or rover, for silicate mineralogy and volatile detection during lunar surface explorations.