Title:
Developing and Testing a Miniaturized In situ XRD for Mineralogical Characterization of Planetary Surfaces
Agreement Number:
19FAWESA27
Agreement Value:
$300,000.00
Agreement Date:
Jan 5, 2021 - Dec 31, 2023
Description:
The surface of Mars has been under
exploration by landers and orbiters for
decades. From the planetary geologists
point of view, there are three critical
pieces of information that enable us to
determine the rock type: mineralogy,
chemical composition, and textures.
Mineralogy is the most important of these.
Most rover instruments measure chemical
information from minerals. It is desirable
to deploy an instrument to obtain
complementary crystal structural
information from minerals.
The project will enable continued
development and testing of a Miniaturized
in situ X-ray Diffractometer for
Mineralogical Characterization of Planetary
Surfaces (ISXRD), to perform in situ
analysis on intact Mars-analogue samples on
Earth, with the goal of eventual deployment
on Mars. Furthermore, another objective is
to develop a Mars-relevant sample
collection for testing purposes.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
Location:
London, Ontario, CA N6A 3K7
Reference Number:
003-2020-2021-Q4-04902
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Additional Information:
The amount allocated covers more than one
fiscal year.
Recipient's Legal Name:
University of Western Ontario
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Purpose:
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.