Space Apps Challenge 2017

The following is a clause of UNOOSA (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs) for Outer Space administration:

States Parties to the Treaty undertake not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction, install such weapons on celestial bodies, or station such weapons in outer space in any other manner.

The objective is to find out the possible solution to help UNOOSA administer this clause of the treaty. For this we have researched on various radiation and explosives detection techniques through different types of sensors in order to present a viable solution.

Out of the two most commonly used Detecting Techniques, that is, Bulk Detection and Trace Detection. We have opted for Bulk detection as this technique can provide us with standoff detection, which is the most important requirement of our objective.

Under the label of Bulk Detection, there is a technique called, Thermal Imaging. This is a simple, effective and well developed technique being used often on earth for detection of various materials. But in the case of detecting explosives, one of its major disadvantage is that it cannot differentiate between different types of explosives. Hence, we have proposed that material composition detection technique to be merged with thermal imaging for detailed and accurate detection.

Furthermore, terahertz/Microwave imaging is one of the developing tools of this era. Under its spectrum, a very interesting potential, compact, low cost Quantum Cascade Laser.

What we have researched upon is the technique called Hyperspectral Detection. In this, multiple images are processed from across the electromagnetic spectrum. The goal is to improve the imaging detection system give our sensors the accuracy required in space.

Last but not the least. Along with all of the above, we also want to incorporate a type of sensor, which would have the ability to detect high velocity spin off particles of materials that have potential for Weapons of Mass Destruction. It is to be noted that due to their extremely small size, no type of shielding can block these particles, hence they can provide a valuable detection source. This type of Sensor was developed by SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation) in 1989 to help United States of America to detect Nuclear Devices all over the world for security purposes.

From above stated facts, technologies and techniques we aim to combine Thermal Imaging and Terahertz imaging for better results. This imaging in turn can be used along with the material composition detector to give more precise readings. For further precision, we can incorporate sensors (developed by SAIC) that can detect high velocity spin of particles from enriched uranium. These sensors can be further upgraded for plutonium and other materials that have potential for Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Project Resources:

1. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xduv5ijpxqigvvv/AACR7vQ...

2. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/is8i7rnin674xnx/AABel4w...