Sensors from Jena were also on board when the IM-2 mission to the lunar south pole was launched in the night from February 26 to 27, 2025. Developed and manufactured at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technologies, they will be used in the Lunar Radiometer (LRAD). This instrument is designed to measure the extremely low temperatures on the Moon’s surface and provide clues about water ice – a potential resource for future lunar missions.

Technologies for the Future of Space Exploration

The IM-2 mission is being conducted by the private space company Intuitive Machines on behalf of NASA and is part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. The goal is to test new technologies for exploring and utilizing lunar resources. The LRAD radiometer, developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Free University of Berlin, measures surface temperature and analyzes the physical properties of the lunar regolith – the fine layer of dust and rock covering the Moon.

A central experiment in the mission is the autonomous mini-lander µNova Hopper. After landing, it will separate from the main module and deliberately jump into one of the permanently shadowed craters at the South Pole. There, the Leibniz IPHT sensors will carry out highly precise temperature measurements.

Precise Measurements Under Extreme Conditions

The sensors are specialized in measuring temperatures over large distances without contact. They operate in the infrared wavelength range and measure the thermal radiation emitted by the Moon’s surface. From this data, not only can the temperature be determined, but the physical composition of the soil can also be analyzed.

Proven in Space and on Earth

The infrared sensors developed at Leibniz IPHT are based on the thermoelectric effect and use highly efficient V/VI compound semiconductors. Their high sensitivity and robustness have already been proven in several space missions – including the long-duration ROSETTA mission, the Mars rover Curiosity, the NASA InSight mission, and the asteroid lander MASCOT.

“Our sensors are specifically designed to enable precise measurements even under extreme conditions,” explains Andreas Ihring, Head of Sensor Production at Leibniz IPHT. “They withstand large temperature fluctuations, mechanical stresses, and high-energy radiation while delivering reliable data.”

The sensors from Jena are also used on Earth. For example, they are employed in ventilators to monitor patients’ breathing air with high precision. The sensors are manufactured at the Competence Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies at Leibniz IPHT, where the team develops tailored sensor solutions for a variety of applications – from space research to medical diagnostics and industrial process control.

Looking Ahead: Sensors Exploring the Martian Moons

The next mission for the sensor technology is already planned: In August 2026, the Japanese mission Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) is set to launch to explore the Martian moons Phobos and Deimos and bring samples from Phobos back to Earth. The Leibniz IPHT sensors will be part of the miniRAD radiometer, developed by the DLR Institute for Planetary Research. The planned measurements on Phobos are expected to provide new insights into its temperature and surface composition.

Learn More About Leibniz-IPHT Sensor Technologies

The Competence Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies at Leibniz-IPHT develops highly precise sensor solutions for diverse applications – from space research and medical diagnostics to industrial process control. A detailed overview of the technologies and services is available in our Online Catalog.