N. Mitra, T. M. McQueen, R. Volpe, M. Daly, V. Desai, N. Armitage | 2025 | Planetary and Space Science
DOI 10.1016/j.pss.2024.106031Review state
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This paper investigates chemical changes in terrestrial lunar simulants exposed to gamma radiation to simulate lunar ionizing radiation. The study highlights the formation of entrapped radicals and altered chemical signatures using Terahertz and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy. The research emphasizes the need for further material investigations for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) on the Moon. The paper investigates the effects of gamma radiation on the chemical and physical properties of various lunar regolith simulants. The study aims to understand how radiation impacts the behavior of these materials, which is crucial for future lunar missions and in-situ resource utilization. The research includes experimental methods, results, and discussions on the implications for space exploration. The study investigates chemical changes in terrestrial lunar simulants when exposed to gamma radiation, simulating the ionizing radiation environment of the Moon. The research focuses on commonly available lunar minerals such as anorthite, fayalite, and ilmenite, analyzing their structural and chemical responses to radiation exposure. Techniques like XRD, THz spectroscopy, and EP
These are the records this paper contributes to the simulant, returned sample, method, and property browsers.
Apollo sample 70051 | used as reference material
Gamma radiation exposure
Radiation exposure | Lunar construction material testing
Terahertz spectroscopy
Spectroscopy | Material chemical analysis
XRD analysis
X-ray diffraction
THz spectroscopy
Terahertz spectroscopy
EPR analysis
Electron paramagnetic resonance
Chemical signature analysis
Material characterization | Material degradation analysis
Radical formation detection
Material analysis | Radiation effects on materials
Radiation dose comparison
Environmental analysis | Radiation environment assessment
iron oxidation state
2+ state at around the 76% level
temperature
70 C
Crystallinity
increased
Free radical formation
observed
EPR response
increased
EPR response
decreased
Strain
increased
Strain
decreased