Proposal for investigation of minor bodies of the solar system using remote sensing of electron beam induced X-ray fluorescence

The composition of the surface material of minor bodies in the solar system can be measured using a semiconductor soft X-ray spectrometer mounted on the space probe. The characteristic X-rays are to be excited by a 20 kV-low current electron beam of an on-board electron gun. The main features of the method are described. Estimations on its sensitivity, supported by a model experiment, are also given. The minimum fly-by distance to apply this method can be estimated as a few kilometers.