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Related Experiment Videos

Curium-244 alpha-sources for space research

Radchenko1, Andreichikov, Wanke

  • 1State Scientific Centre of Russia, Research Institute of Atomic Reactors, Dimitrovgrad. kar@orip.niiar.simbirsk.su

Applied Radiation and Isotopes : Including Data, Instrumentation and Methods for Use in Agriculture, Industry and Medicine
|September 26, 2000
PubMed
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Special alpha-proton-X-ray spectrometric complexes (APXS) were developed for Mars chemical analysis. These curium-244 sources are robust and proven effective in space missions.

Area of Science:

  • Planetary Science
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Chemical analysis of extraterrestrial bodies requires specialized instrumentation.
  • Alpha-proton-X-ray spectrometric complexes (APXS) are vital for in-situ elemental composition determination.
  • Previous APXS systems necessitated robust and reliable radioactive sources.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and characterize novel curium-244 based alpha and X-ray sources for APXS.
  • To evaluate the performance and durability of these sources under simulated space conditions.
  • To confirm the suitability of these sources for Mars surface and atmospheric analysis.

Main Methods:

  • Preparation of curium-244 silicide sources on silicon substrates via high-temperature condensation.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Characterization of source dimensions, activity (5 +/- 1 mCi), and alpha-line half-widths.
  • Performance testing including thermovacuum (196-1000°C), mechanical, and resource endurance evaluations.

    • Main Results:

    • Successfully developed curium-244 sources with defined physical and radioactive properties.
    • Sources demonstrated stable characteristics across a wide temperature range and under mechanical stress.
    • Alpha-line half-widths ranged from 1.7-2.5% and 2.9-4.5% of full width at 10% Maximum.

    Conclusions:

    • The developed curium-244 sources are stable and reliable for APXS applications.
    • These sources meet the stringent requirements for space exploration missions.
    • Successful application confirmed during the NASA Mars Pathfinder mission validates their utility.