Sensors (Aug 2023)

High-Sensitivity Seismometer Development for Lunar Applications

  • Leandro A. N. de Paula,
  • Ronald S. Norton,
  • Ho Jung Paik,
  • Nicholas C. Schmerr,
  • Paul R. Williamson,
  • Talso C. P. Chui,
  • Inseob Hahn

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/s23167245
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 16
p. 7245

Abstract

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Lunar seismology is a critical area of research, providing insights into the Moon’s internal structure, composition, and thermal history, as well as informing the design of safe and resilient habitats for future human settlements. This paper presents the development of a state-of-the-art, three-axis broadband seismometer with a low-frequency range of 0.001–1 Hz and a target sensitivity over one order of magnitude greater than previous Apollo-era instruments. The paper details the design, assembly, methodology, and test results. We compare the acceleration noise of our prototype and commercial seismometers across all three axes. Increasing the test mass and reducing its natural frequency may further improve performance. These advancements in seismometer technology hold promise for enhancing our understanding of the Moon’s and other celestial bodies’ internal structures and for informing the design of future landed missions to ocean worlds.

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