Research

Space science is rapidly evolving beyond the stage of simply observing distant celestial bodies. Today, it aims to acquire knowledge and technologies that humanity can actively utilize. In particular, recent trends in planetary exploration focus not only on imaging planetary surfaces but also on investigating what lies beneath them. Understanding the subsurface composition of the Moon and Mars is essential not only for advancing fundamental science on the formation and evolution of the solar system, but also for enabling future human exploration and in-situ resource utilization. Planetary exploration is no longer merely a symbolic challenge; it is a crucial step toward expanding the sphere of human activity beyond Earth.

Future Space Exploration [Image credit: Hyundai Motor Company]

In this context, neutron observation has emerged as one of the key technologies in planetary exploration. Planetary surfaces continuously interact with high-energy particles from space, naturally producing neutrons in the process. By measuring the energy distribution of these neutrons, scientists can infer the composition of materials located tens of centimeters beneath the surface. Hydrogen, in particular, significantly alters neutron energy through its moderating effect, making neutron measurements one of the most reliable remote-sensing methods for detecting water or ice. Consequently, neutron observation plays a vital role in mapping water distribution on the Moon and Mars, identifying potential resources, selecting landing sites, and supporting future human exploration missions.

Illustration of lunar surface bombardment of cosmic particles [Image credit: Arizona State University]

Our laboratory is developing a neutron detector specifically designed for planetary exploration missions to meet these scientific and technological demands. Unlike laboratory instruments on Earth, spaceborne instruments must operate under extreme conditions while satisfying strict constraints on power consumption, mass, and volume. To address these challenges, we are designing and developing a low-power electronic system optimized for planetary missions, along with advanced signal processing and data acquisition techniques to achieve a compact, lightweight, and high-performance neutron detection system. In addition, we are conducting collaborative research with the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) to perform neutron generation and measurement experiments, enabling precise performance verification and detailed characterization of detector response.

This research is closely connected to Kyung Hee University’s G-LAMP initiative. G-LAMP is an advanced model of the University Basic Research Institute Support Program promoted by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea, designed to foster outstanding university research institutes into world-class research hubs through mid- to large-scale, long-term support. At Kyung Hee University, the Institute for Future Space Exploration serves as a flagship thematic research institute under G-LAMP, promoting interdisciplinary research in core space exploration technologies, space artificial intelligence, and space biomedical sciences. Our neutron detector development project constitutes an integral part of the core space exploration technology program, aiming to establish indigenous instrumentation capabilities for future planetary missions.

Through the development of advanced neutron detection technology, we seek to enable precise mapping of water and resource distribution on the Moon and Mars, and ultimately contribute to strengthening Korea’s leadership in space science and exploration.