Participation in the MAHRS project of the University of Michigan with NASA and other collaborators

• Grant number: 13/21148-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: August 01, 2014
• End date: July 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Electrical, Magnetic and Electronic Measurements, Instrumentation
• Principal Investigator: Durval Zandonadi Júnior
• Grantee: Durval Zandonadi Júnior
• Host Investigator: Nilton de Oliveira Renno
• Host Institution: Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Michigan, United States

Abstract

The University of Michigan (U-M) proposed a scientific project in the space area, supported by NASA, NSF and other funders and collaborators, called MAHRS - Martian Aqueous Habitat Reconnaissance Suite. The project includes sensors developed by the proposing team during the past decade, among which: electric field sensor (EFS), optical microscope (OM), radiometer (RAD) and detector of displacement of sand (SALT). They were developed to study phenomena of movement and transport of dust, known by the geological term "Saltation". It also includes a sensor to measure moisture of the regolith (WET) and the effect of moisture in the displacement of sand on Earth and other planets. The MAHRS proposes to mature the set of instruments, preparing them to quantify important weathering processes and search for potentially habitable environments in the shallow subsurface of Mars and other planetary bodies. The project is planned for 36 months, after which the degree of technological maturity (Technology Readiness Level) of the suite will change from the current TRL 4-5 to TRL 6. Aligned with the guidelines of the National Plan of Space Activities (PNAE) of the Brazilian Government, and in agreement with the PI (Principal Investigator) of MAHRS, which will be his advisor, this INPE's technologist aims to participate for 12 months, in part of the development of MAHRS. He intends to collaborate on environmental testing, space systems, and electronics, and above all, acquire knowledge and expertise to our country, engaging in R & D close to the frontier of knowledge in the space area, with highly competent professionals in high-tech laboratories and in reputable institutions. (AU)