New NASA Sensor Goes Hunting for Critical Minerals
Prisms, Black Silicon, and the Quest for Critical Minerals
Imagine a world where the Earth's surface is mapped in unprecedented detail, revealing hidden treasures of critical minerals that power our modern world. This vision is becoming a reality thanks to a cutting-edge NASA sensor called AVIRIS-5, which is taking to the skies to help geoscientists map rocks hosting lithium and other critical minerals on Earth's surface.
Treasure Hunting with AVIRIS-5
AVIRIS-5, short for Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer-5, is the latest in a long line of sensors pioneered by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to survey Earth, the Moon, and other worlds. This advanced imaging spectrometer is cradled in the nose of a high-altitude research airplane, flying over Nevada, California, and other Western states as part of a project called GEMx (Geological Earth Mapping Experiment).
The Technology Behind AVIRIS-5
AVIRIS-5 detects the spectral "fingerprints" of minerals and other compounds in reflected sunlight, using a technology that was pioneered at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the late 1970s. The sensor takes advantage of the fact that all kinds of molecules, from rare earth elements to flower pigments, have unique chemical structures that absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light.
The Power of-blind Silicon
The optical techniques used at the Microdevices Laboratory have advanced continuously since the first AVIRIS instrument took flight in 1986. Four generations of these sensors have now hit the skies, analyzing erupting volcanoes, diseased crops, ground zero debris in New York City, and wildfires in Alabama, among many other deployments. The latest model, AVIRIS-5, features spatial resolution that's twice as fine as that of its predecessor and can resolve areas ranging from less than a foot (30 centimeters) to about 30 feet (10 meters).
The GEMx Research Project
The GEMx research project is expected to last four years and is funded by the USGS Earth MRI, through investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The initiative will capitalize on both the technology developed by NASA for spectroscopic imaging, as well as the expertise in analyzing the datasets and extracting critical mineral information from them.
Critical Minerals and National Security
Lithium is one of about 50 minerals at risk of supply chain disruption that USGS has deemed critical to national security and the economy. The discovery of lithium-bearing clay called hectorite, identified in the tailings of an abandoned mine in California, among other locations, is an exciting early finding of the GEMx project.
Land Management and Beyond
The breadth of different questions you can take on with this technology is really exciting, from land management to snowpack water resources to wildfire risk. Critical minerals are just the beginning for AVIRIS-5. The technology has the potential to unlock new value from old and abandoned prospects, and help communities capture new value from their natural resources.
Forward-Looking Thoughts
As the GEMx project continues to gather data and insights, it will be exciting to see how this technology is applied in real-world scenarios. The potential for AVIRIS-5 to revolutionize the way we understand and manage our natural resources is vast, and it will be fascinating to watch how this technology evolves in the years to come.
Conclusion
The GEMx project is a testament to the power of collaboration between NASA and the USGS, and the potential for innovative technologies to drive real-world applications. As we continue to explore and understand our planet, it is clear that the future of Earth science is bright, and that the discoveries made possible by AVIRIS-5 will have a lasting impact on our world.
Related Terms
- Earth Science
- Armstrong Flight Research Center
- Earth
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- NASA Aircraft
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