Resources of Near-Earth Space: Abstracts

The objectives are by theory, experiment, and bench-level testing of small systems, to develop scientifically-sound engineering processes and facility specifications for producing propellants and fuels, construction and shielding materials, and life support substances from the lithospheres and atmospheres of lunar, planetary, and asteroidal bodies. Current emphasis is on the production of oxygen, other usefull gases, metallic, ceramic/composite, and related byproducts from lunar regolith, carbonaceous chrondritic asteroids, and the carbon dioxide rich Martian atmosphere

Gamma Ray Spectroscopy for Logging While Drilling in Mineral Exploration

Natural gamma ray spectroscopy has changed little in 30 years. Simulations, laboratory scale models, and field experiments all demonstrate that the natural gamma ray spectrum recorded during borehole drilling can be used to track changes in heavy element concentrations with the Heavy Mineral Index, and it correlates well with iron-rich zones. This research creates a basis for a new generation of safe logging-while-drilling tools plus changes the analysis of airborne radiometrics in the future