Spherical probe for the thermophysical characterization of regoliths for planetary exploration using frequency methods

The objective of this paper is to analyse the capability of a spherical thermoprobe, recently proposed as a 3D heat flux sensor for regoliths, and additionally to characterize the thermophysical properties of regoliths. The sensor is based on the spherical structure of a Mars wind sensor. The characterization is carried out using frequency methods. Extensive experimental results have been obtained with eight regolith simulants made of glass microbeads. Errors in thermal conductivity and diffusivity are smaller than ± 7%, for these simulants.