Summary

Description

NASA has an interest in the development of advanced instruments and components for Lunar and planetary science missions. Instrumentation is needed for the exploration of inner and outer planets and their moons, comets, asteroids, etc. As a consequence, instrumentation systems must withstand the extreme environments experienced in space and planetary environments; radiation, temperature, pressure, launch/landing stresses, etc. Specific areas related to instrument deployment for in situ sensors and sensor systems on a variety of space platforms including orbiters, flyby spacecraft, landers, rovers, balloon, other aerial vehicles, sub-surface penetrators, and impactors. The envisioned Phase I program will develop an innovative digital readout integrated circuit architecture that will increase resolution and provide improved sensitivity. The low power design will incorporate provisions that mitigate effects of radiation and extreme temperatures.