Sensor for detecting and measuring cosmic radiation-activated metal perchlorate salts on the surface of Mars and Moon

The necessity of the sensor arises from the risk of explosions of perchlorate salts after impact or friction on the surface of Mars where they are abundant (e.g., impacts during the construction of space bases, friction with astronauts’ suits, etc.), while on Moon they exist at lower levels. Notably, the explosiveness of perchlorates is exploited in the manufacture of fireworks and rocket boosters.

An additional risk to astronauts arises from the biotoxicity of surface perchlorate salts due to their constant activation by cosmic radiation… Their biotoxicity arises when they come into contact with water (e.g., with the fluids of the respiratory system, after inhaling perchlorate dust), during which are produced highly carcinogenic for astronauts chemicals (hypochlorites), such as those used to sterilize swimming pools.

Development of the sensor’s operation principle has been completed at Technology Readiness Level TRL4 in terms of science and design (under evaluation by the ESA-IDEA program).