NASA has introduced a cutting-edge sensor, known as AVIRIS-5 (Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer-5), to aid in the search for critical minerals essential for technologies such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and clean energy systems. The sensor, developed from technology created by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the 1970s, is mounted on one of NASA’s ER-2 high-altitude research aircraft, flying at approximately 60,000 feet above the American West.
AVIRIS-5, which fits into the nose of the aircraft, represents decades of advancements since its first use in 1986. It is now a vital component of a collaborative research initiative called GEMx, which involves both NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The project aims to detect surface traces of critical minerals that play a crucial role in manufacturing consumer electronics and military technologies.
Exploring the American West for Critical Minerals
The GEMx project has made significant strides since its inception, covering over 366,000 square miles (approximately 950,000 square kilometers) of desert terrain since 2023. Deserts are particularly suitable for mineral spectroscopy due to their sparse vegetation, allowing for clearer data collection. AVIRIS-5 identifies unique chemical structures of minerals that reflect specific wavelengths of light, enabling the detection of “spectral fingerprints” unique to critical minerals.
The USGS defines critical minerals as those with substantial implications for the economic and national security of the United States. Important examples include aluminum, lithium, zinc, graphite, tungsten, and titanium. These minerals are vital for various technology supply chains, including semiconductors, solar energy systems, and electric vehicle batteries.
In March 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order aimed at increasing domestic production of these minerals, highlighting that reliance on foreign sources poses a threat to American security. The order emphasizes the necessity to maximize the production of critical minerals.
Broader Applications for AVIRIS-5 Technology
Beyond its role in mineral exploration, AVIRIS-5 benefits from a lineage of similar spectrometers designed by JPL for various NASA missions. These instruments have provided insights into planets within our solar system, including Mars, Mercury, and Pluto. A JPL spokesperson noted that one such instrument is currently en route to Europa, a moon of Jupiter, to search for chemical components that could support life.
Dana Chadwick, an Earth system scientist at JPL, envisions extensive applications for AVIRIS-5 beyond mineral hunting. Chadwick stated, “The breadth of different questions you can take on with this technology is really exciting, from land management to snowpack water resources to wildfire risk.” The potential uses of AVIRIS-5 extend far beyond its initial purpose, marking a significant step forward in both scientific research and practical applications.
As NASA continues its commitment to advancing technology and understanding our planet and beyond, AVIRIS-5 represents a pivotal tool in addressing both current and future challenges in resource management and sustainability.