Remote X-ray Analyzer (ReXA)

The proposed research targets the development of a Remote X-ray Analyzer (ReXA) using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for geochemical analysis of planetary surface materials, to be fitted to rovers or landers. The instrument differentiates from current state-of-the-art planetary XRF spectrometers in that it will not rely on a robotic arm or other deployment mechanisms. Instead of being brought in contact with or in close proximity to the surface to be analyzed, it will operate from a sufficient distance to ensure safe ground clearance as a stationary system mounted inside the host platform, or hanging from its underside. This instrument will be particularly pertinent when fitted to a small rover lacking the robotic arm necessary for deploying a contact instrument.This development targets space deployment in a short time frame following the SBIR completion, so we will focus our development on individual technologies already at high TRL, or that can be brought to TRL-5 within the SBIR.ReXA will allow geochemical analysis of ground surface with no mechanism while ensuring a safe ground clearance to the platform.