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NASA has given a grant to the University of Arkansas and a Fayetteville-based company to aid space exploration.
The Planetary Instrumentation Development branch of NASA gave $403,000 to the UA and Space Photonics Inc. The money will be used to develop an optical probe for future planetary rovers. The probe could be used to determine the composition of the layers of planets, comets and other celestial bodies.
The instrument, to be located at the base of space rovers, will drive a spike into the body’s surface. An infrared spectrometer will then be able to provide information on composition. The instrument can detect the kinds of rock present, chemical composition and search for ice.
Space Photonics has previously worked with the Department of Defense and NASA. Recently, it announced that it is developing fiber optic components for the International Space Station.
The team expects the optical probe to be ready for space missions in four years to six years.