Nuclear Analytical Technique
Nuclear Analytical Technique (NAT) is a method of using nuclear reactions or radioactive processes to analyze the chemical and physical properties of materials. In space and astronautical engineering, NAT is used to determine the elemental composition of planetary surfaces, asteroids, and comets. This technique is particularly useful in remote sensing missions where direct sample analysis is not possible. NAT can be used to detect the presence of elements such as hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur, which are important for understanding the geology and potential habitability of celestial bodies. The most common NAT methods used in space exploration are neutron activation analysis, proton-induced X-ray emission, and alpha particle-induced X-ray emission.
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