NASA has launched a new initiative to locate critical minerals essential for modern technology using a high-tech sensor known as AVIRIS-5. This sensor, developed from technology created by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the 1970s, is now fitted on the agency’s ER-2 high-altitude research aircraft. Its deployment marks a significant step in the ongoing GEMx project, a collaborative effort with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) aimed at identifying mineral deposits across the American West.
The AVIRIS-5 sensor, roughly the size of a microwave, has undergone numerous enhancements since its initial use in 1986. It employs advanced mineral spectroscopy techniques to detect “spectral fingerprints,” unique chemical signatures that reflect various wavelengths of light. This capability allows scientists to pinpoint the surface traces of critical minerals, such as lithium, aluminum, and tungsten, which are vital for manufacturing consumer electronics, electric vehicle batteries, and military technologies.
Mapping the American West
Deserts serve as ideal locations for this type of analysis, largely due to the sparse vegetation that allows for clearer readings. Since the project began in 2023, researchers have already surveyed more than 366,000 square miles (approximately 950,000 square kilometers) of territory. The minerals being targeted are classified by the USGS as having significant implications for both economic and national security in the United States.
In a bid to reduce reliance on foreign sources, the White House issued an Executive Order in March 2025, emphasizing the need to enhance domestic mineral production. The order acknowledges the acute threats posed by dependence on foreign powers for critical minerals.
Future Applications of AVIRIS-5
Beyond its current focus on mineral detection, Dana Chadwick, an Earth system scientist at JPL, envisions numerous applications for the AVIRIS-5 sensor. “The breadth of different questions you can take on with this technology is really exciting,” he stated. Possible future uses include land management, monitoring snowpack water resources, and assessing wildfire risks.
The technology behind AVIRIS-5 has also been instrumental in expanding our understanding of other celestial bodies within the solar system, including Mars and Europa, a moon of Jupiter. A representative from JPL mentioned that a similar spectrometer is currently en route to Europa to search for chemical ingredients that could support life.
With its innovative approach to mineral identification, NASA is not only contributing to the exploration of Earth’s resources but also paving the way for future advancements in various scientific fields. The potential applications of AVIRIS-5 extend far beyond its initial design, promising to assist in numerous environmental and resource management challenges.
