NASA is using a cutting-edge sensor called AVIRIS-5 to search for essential minerals in the American West. This technology was developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the 1970s and has evolved significantly. The sensor, which is about the size of a microwave, is mounted on NASA’s high-altitude ER-2 aircraft. It first took to the skies in 1986, and improvements have been ongoing ever since.
The AVIRIS-5 is part of a project called GEMx, a collaboration between NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). GEMx focuses on finding surface signs of critical minerals needed for everything from consumer electronics to military tech.
Why deserts? They provide a clear view for mineral detection since they lack dense vegetation. In 2023, researchers have surveyed over 366,000 square miles (about 950,000 square kilometers) of the desert landscape.
One of AVIRIS-5’s main functions is to identify “spectral fingerprints” of minerals, which are unique patterns of light reflection. This helps scientists recognize minerals with distinct chemical structures. The USGS defines critical minerals as those that are vital for the U.S.’s economic and national security. This list includes materials like aluminum, lithium, and rare earth elements, which are essential for making semiconductors and electric vehicle batteries.
In March 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order to boost mineral production, highlighting concerns over reliance on foreign sources for these crucial resources. The order emphasized that the nation’s security is at risk from dependency on minerals from potentially hostile countries.
But AVIRIS-5 isn’t just aimed at finding minerals. JPL has developed similar sensors for space missions, studying planets such as Mars and even moons like Europa, where they’ll search for signs of life-sustaining chemicals.
Dana Chadwick, a scientist at JPL, believes AVIRIS-5 has broad applications. “This technology can be used for various issues beyond minerals—from managing lands to assessing wildfire risks,” Chadwick shared. “Mineral detection is just the starting point.” This perspective highlights a future where technology could help tackle numerous environmental challenges.
Overall, the work being done with AVIRIS-5 demonstrates how advanced technology can play a crucial role in addressing both current needs and future possibilities.
