Moon Exploration and Science News

January 03, 2014

Chang'e-3 satellite payload APXS obtained its first spectrum of lunar regolith
Beijing, China (SPX) Jan 03, 2014
The Active Particle-induced X-ray Spectrometer (APXS), carried by the Yutu rover of the Chang'e-3 satellite got its first X-ray fluorescence spectrum of lunar regolith around the landing site on December 25, 2013. An initial analysis indicates that eight major rock-forming elements (Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Cr and Fe) and at least 3 minor elements (Sr, Y and Zr) of the Moon can be identified in this spectrum. Besides, the energy resolution of AXS is estimated to be about 135 @5.9keV, which dem ... read more

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Chang'e-3 satellite payload APXS obtained its first spectrum of lunar regolith

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