Building and Commissioning of a Compact Gamma-ray and Neutron counter (C-GRNC) for a Ground-based Rover Prototype

We are developing a Neutron and Gamma-ray spectrometer for deploying it on the Moon and Mars, in orbit or on a lander, to find water and other volatiles of interest for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU).

Neutron and Gamma-ray spectroscopy is a powerful tool in geophysics, and planetary science as it is the only technique that provides bulk chemical composition and elemental abundance at depth, at a range of spatial scales, which – for planetary bodies – can provide lithology, mineralogy and chemistry. Importantly, such an instrument package can identify and quantify water and other key elements relevant to assessing planetary volatile abundances and evolution, assessing radioactivity and habitability to advance sustainable human exploration.

Objectives:

This project focuses on the construction and commissioning of a Compact Gamma-ray and Neutron Counter (C-GRNC) prototype, building upon the insights gained from MSc Project #1 and MSc Project #2. The primary goal is to develop a functional and efficient prototype that can be integrated into ground-based and planetary-based rovers for advanced radiation detection and analysis.

 

Key Tasks:

  • Integration and Testing: Assemble the C-GRNC prototype with the chosen scintillator and geometry.
  • Calibration and Commissioning: Develop a comprehensive calibration protocol to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the prototype's measurements. Commission the C-GRNC for practical use in radiation detection scenarios.
  • Integration with Rovers: Collaborate with relevant rover development projects to integrate the C-GRNC prototype into ground-based and planetary-based rovers, enhancing their capabilities for environmental analysis and radiation detection.

By undertaking this project, we aim to bridge the gap between theoretical design considerations and practical implementation. The C-GRNC prototype will serve as a valuable tool for future rover missions, enabling enhanced radiation detection and contributing to our understanding of environmental conditions on Earth and beyond.

Publisert 24. okt. 2023 10:44 - Sist endret 24. okt. 2023 10:44

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