A major scientific expedition is underway in the American deserts as NASA and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) join forces to search for strategic minerals. At the heart of the mission is the cutting-edge AVIRIS-5 sensor, developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Roughly the size of a microwave oven, this device is mounted in the nose of an ER-2 aircraft capable of flying at altitudes up to 21 kilometers. Using AVIRIS-5, scientists scan vast stretches of the American West to detect traces of minerals vital for electronics, batteries, and defense technologies.
The technology behind AVIRIS-5 dates back to the 1970s, but it has evolved dramatically since then. The first version of the instrument debuted in 1986, and JPL engineers have been continuously advancing its capabilities ever since. Today’s AVIRIS-5 can distinguish the subtlest differences in the spectrum of reflected light, allowing it to identify the unique ‘fingerprints’ of minerals on the Earth’s surface.
The GEMx project, which uses AVIRIS-5, launched in 2023 and has already surveyed more than 950,000 square kilometers. Deserts are a particular focus, as the lack of dense vegetation makes spectral soil analysis much easier. Here, amid sand and rock, lie deposits of aluminum, lithium, graphite, zinc, tungsten, and titanium—elements essential to modern technology.
Critical resources
According to the USGS, critical minerals are those on which the country’s economic and national security directly depend. They are used in the manufacturing of semiconductors, solar panels, batteries for electric vehicles, and military equipment. In recent years, the U.S. has become increasingly reliant on imports of these resources, raising concerns at the highest levels.
In March 2025, the White House issued an executive order urging a major increase in the domestic extraction of strategic minerals. The document emphasizes that dependence on supplies from unfriendly nations has become a serious threat to the U.S. economy and defense. This makes the search for new deposits especially important.
AVIRIS-5 not only detects minerals but also assesses their concentration and distribution. The sensor records how various chemical compounds reflect light in the visible and infrared range, enabling the creation of detailed maps of the soil’s mineral composition. This data forms the basis for further geological exploration and decisions on resource development.
Technologies beyond Earth
Interestingly, similar spectrometers developed at JPL have long been used not just on Earth. NASA employs them to study the surfaces of Mars, Mercury, and even Pluto. One of these instruments is currently en route to Europa, Jupiter’s moon, to search for chemical elements essential for life.
According to Dana Chadwick, an Earth systems specialist at JPL, the potential of AVIRIS-5 goes far beyond mineral prospecting. The sensor can be used to monitor land conditions, assess water resources in snowpacks, and even analyze wildfire risks. She notes that the instrument’s capabilities are only beginning to emerge, and in the future, it will help tackle a wide range of challenges in ecology and natural resource management.
Under the GEMx project, researchers have already obtained unique data on soil structure and mineral distribution across vast territories. This information not only speeds up the discovery of new deposits but also allows for more accurate forecasting of regional economic development. With global competition for resources intensifying, such technologies are becoming essential tools for strengthening the independence and resilience of national industry.
The future of research
In the coming years, NASA and USGS plan to expand the geographic scope of their studies, covering even more states and natural zones. New versions of the sensors are expected to be even more compact and precise, opening up additional applications in a wide range of fields—from agriculture to climate change mitigation.
At the same time, work is underway to integrate AVIRIS-5 data with other sources of information, including satellite imagery and results from field expeditions. This comprehensive approach helps to create the most complete picture of the country’s mineral resources and enables informed decision-making at the state level.
Amid growing demand for rare and strategic elements, the role of innovative technologies is only increasing. American researchers are confident that combining advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and big data will not only help discover new deposits but also make resource extraction more efficient and environmentally friendly.
In case you didn’t know, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a NASA research center located in Pasadena, California. JPL develops spacecraft, robotics, and advanced sensors for studying the Earth and other planets. Over recent decades, JPL specialists have created numerous unique instruments used both in space and on our planet. The ER-2 aircraft equipped with AVIRIS-5 is a modified version of the famous U-2 reconnaissance plane adapted for high-altitude scientific missions.
