BroadSCOPE: An Optical Broadband Seismic Sensor for Planetary Exploration

Seismology is crucial for the geologic and interior exploration of planetary bodies. High signal-to-noise (SNR) instruments are required to record low amplitude seismic events such as deep moonquakes. Here we describe the Broadband Seismic Characterization using Optics for Planetary Exploration (“BroadSCOPE”) sensor, a broadband planetary seismometer built by Silicon Audio and the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona. Our laser interferometer design offers high sensitivity and a high tilt tolerance, while maintaining low power and mass. Our self-noise floor is targeted at \(10^{-9}~\text{m}\,\text{s}^{-2}/\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}\) at frequencies of about 1 Hz. We have performed environmental testing to reach a Technology Readiness Level of 6 for lunar conditions. This instrument was specifically developed for the Moon under NASA’s Development and Advancement of Lunar Instrumentation (DALI) program and matured by the Artemis Deployed Instruments opportunity. While designed for the Moon, the sensor could be used to explore other airless bodies such as binary asteroids.