Remote Laser Evaporative Molecular Absorption Spectroscopy Sensor System
Gary Hughes
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Amount: up to $500,000
Length of Study: 2 years
Description
We propose a sensor system capable of remotely probing the molecular composition of cold solar system targets (asteroids, comets, planets, moons), such as from a spacecraft orbiting the target.
The spacecraft would be equipped with a high-power laser and an infrared spectrometer, both powered by photovoltaics. The laser is directed at a spot on the target, with central flux in the 10 MW/ m2 range.