The qualification of the seismometer for the penetrator

Abstract

We expect that the penetrator system will be used widely for the moon and planetary explorations because of its convenient utilization for unmanned and multipoint observation. We researched the dynamic response of the seismometers for the penetrator after the impact shock test at the laboratory, by observing micro tremor (1E-7-1E-8 m/sec with velocity of ground movement) during a week at Dec.2002 and at Apr.2005. From the results of these researches, we confirmed that the shocked seismometers functioned well compared with some short period seismometers and the very broadband seismometer. In addition, I will discuss about the expected results at the actual seismic observation on the moon and planets, and about the prospect of the characteristic of the seismometer for planetary explorations.