Hyperspectral imaging of asteroids using an FPI-based sensor

Abstract

The compositions of asteroids are of interest for the planetary sciences, mining, and planetary defense. The main method for evaluating these compositions is reflectance spectroscopy. Spectroscopic measurements performed from Earth can not resolve how different materials are distributed on the asteroids, making flyby-- and rendezvous missions necessary for obtaining detailed information. Using the CubeSat platform could reduce the costs of these missions, but it also sets constraints on the payload mass and volume. One small and light instrument capable of producing spatially resolved spectral data is a hyperspectral imager based on the Fabry-Perot interferometer. We propose a method of calculating reflectance data from hyperspectral radiance images of an asteroid and a computationally evaluated incident spectral radiance. The proposed method was tested in laboratory conditions with inconclusive results. The obtained reflectances differed from reference measurements, but we believe this was caused by improper calibration of the used imager rather than errors in the method itself.