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The TSUKIMI project is planning to conduct Terahertz sensing using the high frequency electromagnetic waves, known as Terahertz waves. The Terahertz band generally refers to frequencies of 0.1-10 THz. It is possible to measure the average brightness temperature and dielectric constant of the lunar subsurface up to a depth of several tens of centimeters by utilizing Terahertz waves. These parameters hold physical and chemical information about the lunar subsurface, thus, appropriate analysis will make it possible to reveal the quantity of existing materials on the subsurface, particularly water ice.
Instruments
Instruments
The TSUKIMI project is developing a Terahertz wave sensor with multiple frequency channels that can withstand the harsh conditions of space. Additionally, they are developing satellite digital processing technology to control the satellite and sensor uniformly in orbit for optimal resource exploration. By integrating these technologies, they aim to develop a system that can be operated in space and conduct research and development to verify the feasibility of exploring lunar water resources.
Terahertz sensing
Terahertz sensing
All substances emit energy corresponding to their temperature. In terahertz sensing, this emitted energy can be observed, which provide the brightness temperature on the subsurface. In our project, polarization observation will be conducted simultaneously to estimate the dielectric constant. These hold physical and chemical information about the lunar subsurface, and by performing appropriate analyses, it is expected to estimate the amount of water ice and other materials in the lunar subsurface.
However, the estimated values cannot be directly converted into physical and chemical information. Therefore, our team is developing a database of the electromagnetic properties of regolith in the terahertz band, as well as developing data analysis algorithms. To construct the database, it is necessary to scientifically examine the rocks and minerals present in the lunar subsurface. Then, simulants (lunar simulated materials) have been produced based on Apollo Lunar samples, lunar meteorites, and remote sensing data.
Laboratory measurements
Laboratory measurements
for the database
for the database
To identify the constituents of the lunar regolith based on the dielectric constant derived from the observation, a database of electromagnetic property at the Terahertz band is being developed.
Development of the lunar simulants
Development of the lunar simulants
We have developed a technique to produce simulants that accurately reflect the characteristics of lunar regolith, which is essential for creating the database
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