In 2033 soil samples from the planet Mars will arrive on Earth, contained in titanium holders of well- defined dimensions (approx. 15 cm length, of which only 6-7 cm filled with soil samples, diameter 1.5 cm and a titanium wall thickness of 0.7 mm). X-ray micro-CT is among the very first research techniques that will be used to study  the samples and create a digital database of the samples. Based on a set of non-destructive measurements, including these micro-CT datasets, subsamples will be selected for further, more detailed analysis through open science calls. These very first micro-CT scans should therefore deliver the maximum amount of information that is feasible within the constraints. To maximize the amount of information that can be retrieved from the micro-CT scans while keeping the dose deposition as low as reasonably achievable, optimization of the scanning protocol is of key importance. A preparatory study is therefore needed to quantify this radiation dose as function of the image quality, and as such to enable to make an informed decision concerning the scanning protocol.

This project aims at maximizing the information to be retrieved from X-ray micro-CT scanning of the Mars soil samples, by optimizing the scanning protocol and exploring the potential of hyperspectral X-ray imaging using similar Earth soil samples. Additionally, the deposited radiation dose will be studied.