The Nuclear Science of Asteroid 16 Psyche

Executive Summary

Our goal is to accurately measure inelastic (n, n’g) cross sections of key isotopes and gamma signatures from the all-metal asteroid 16 Psyche and then use that information to improve existing models and expand our understanding of planetary core formation. In addition to supporting research goals of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the techniques developed for this project, as well as the data obtained, will be applicable to national efforts in stockpile stewardship.

Publications, Presentations, and Patents

Burks, Morgan T., Owen B. Drury, John O. Goldsten, Lisle B. Hagler, Lena E. Heffern, Nathan R. Hines, Geon-Bo Kim et al., "GeMini: A High-Resolution, Low-Resource, Gamma-Ray Spectrometer for Planetary Science Applications," Space Science Reviews 216, no. 7 (2020): 1-23.