The Project

NEWTON  is an international research project co-funded from EU H2020 programme funds. The project NEW portable multi-sensor scienTific instrument for non-invasive ON-site characterization of rock from planetary surface and sub-surfaces (NEWTON) aims at developing a new portable and compact multi-sensor instrument for ground breaking high resolution magnetic characterisation of planetary surfaces and sub-surfaces through the combination of complex susceptibility and vector measurements. The project goes beyond the state-of-the-art technology by introducing magnetic susceptometry as a complement to existing compact vector magnetometers for planetary exploration. With this, NEWTON gives the first opportunity to perform high resolution and complete non-invasive in-situ magnetic characterization of planetary surfaces and subsurfaces. This non-invasive characterization provides unique scientific information on some of the main objectives related to the Solar System exploration roadmap such as the intense magnetic crustal anomalies of Mars and the strongly discussed formation of its moons.

NEWTON project is developing three different multi-sensor prototypes which are going to be tested firstly in the laboratory and then in relevant environments with measurements on representative crustal rock units of our planetary systems. NEWTON project will contribute to position Europe at the head of space exploration sector due to NEWTON provides the first magnetic instrument capable of providing high resolution and complete non-invasive in-situ characterization of planetary. Moreover, the benefits of NEWTON technology provide ample opportunities for spin-in/spin-out effects between space and non-space technology fields, where the outcoming instrument would represent a real advantage over existing products.

Complex susceptibility

NEWTON tackles the technological limitations that currently exist in magnetic planetary exploration by means of including complex measurements of susceptibility together with a significantly improved vector magnetic tool in a novel magnetic multi-sensor instrument ready for boarding on a planetary exploration rover.  

Cost-effective magnetic planetary exploration

By adding susceptometric analysis to existing instruments, NEWTON can provide new insights and understanding of space and can open a breach for a cost-effective investigation of magnetic prospections on planets, their moons and small bodies.

NEWTON technology on earth

NEWTON technology can open a new era of magnetic characterization on Earth involving numerous sectors as geological and geophysical exploration, raw material, ore deposite research, as well as mining industries.