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GeMini: A High-Resolution, Low-Resource, Gamma-Ray Spectrometer for Planetary Science Applications

Journal Article · · Space Science Reviews
 [1];  [1];  [2];  [1];  [3];  [1];  [1];  [2];  [1];  [2];  [2]
  1. Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
  2. Johns Hopkins Univ., Laurel, MD (United States)
  3. Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States); Arizona State Univ., Tempe, AZ (United States)
+ Show Author Affiliations

GeMini is a high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometer designed for planetary-science exploration. GeMini serves as the basis for instruments being flown on three upcoming deep-space missions: NASA’s mission to the M-class asteroid (16) Psyche, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency sample-return mission to the moons of Mars, and NASA’s Dragonfly mission that will land on Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. These science missions require high-resolution spectroscopy in a low-power, low-mass, rugged design that can survive in a variety of environments. GeMini addresses these needs by providing a cryogenically cooled crystal of high-purity germanium that can operate with as little as 10 to 20 watts, depending on the implementation and mission, and has a mass of less than 2 kg. GeMini helps determine the elemental composition of planetary bodies by measuring gamma rays emitted from the surface. This paper describes the mechanical, thermal, and electrical design of GeMini as well as its performance. Further, it describes testing that was performed to validate the design with respect to launch loads and radiation damage. Although the basic design of GeMini is common to all three missions, each planetary body has unique environmental conditions and mission specifications. This paper concludes by describing these upcoming missions and how GeMini is customized for each.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC52-07NA27344; W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
1755822
Report Number(s):
LLNL-JRNL--809381; 1015485
Journal Information:
Space Science Reviews, Journal Name: Space Science Reviews Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 216; ISSN 0038-6308
Publisher:
SpringerCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
Gamma-ray spectroscopy
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