Sensors
Potential Sensors
Temperature
Pressure (does pressure relate to liveability? Does it need to be measured?)
pH
Humidity
Lumosity (same comment as pressure)
Chlorophyll https://www.ysi.com/accessory/id-6025/6025-chlorophyll-sensor
Carbon dioxide
Thermal imaging
Infrared sensors
Spectrometer (https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/spacecraft/instruments/chemcam/)
Mass Spectrometer (https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/spacecraft/instruments/sam/)
Radiation and dust sensor (https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/spacecraft/instruments/meda/)
Elements to test for:
Carbon, such as methane
Hydrogen and nitrogen (amino acids)
Oxygen (optional)
Sensors:
Sensor | Rough Cost ($) | Link | Dimensions | Weight | Addition Info/Specifications | Arduino Compatible? (Y/N) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Soil Moisture (a) | 6 | 98mm x 23mm (3.86in x 0.905in) |
| Single probe, capacitive measurement. | Y | |
2. Soil Moisture (b) | 3 | 60x20x5mm (2.36x0.79x0.2") |
| Double probe, resistive measurement. Only one moisture sensor is required, both are presented because of sizes. | Y | |
3. pH | 30 | 43 x 32mm(1.69x1.26") |
| This test can also be done manually(ex. litmus test) if mech/electrical have a preference. | Y | |
4. CO2 | 56 | 32x42mm (1.26x1.65") |
| Most CO2 soil sensors are required to be fixed to the ground and are larger (have their own container for soil collection). If this is viable for mechanical team, the following sensor can be looked into: https://www.campbellsci.ca/eosfd | Y | |
5. Humidity (and temp.) | 10 | 27mm x 59mm x 13.5mm (1.05" x 2.32" x 0.53") | 2.4g | DHT22 more precise than DHT11: https://learn.adafruit.com/dht. Measures temperature and humidity. | Y | |
6. Colour | 17 | 18*14mm/0.71*0.55” |
| Possible use with Ninhydrin test or a manual pH test. Not a required sensor, colour can be assessed with camera if needed. | Y | |
7. Methane (CH4) | 7 | 40x20mm(1.57"x0.79") |
| Could look into CO or propane sensors if needed. | Y |
* CO2 sensor provided seems to only work for CO2 in air, not in soil. Could work if soil sample is vacuum sealed, no ambient CO2 interfering with test. *
Sensor Photos for Reference:
(a)
(b)
