60,000 feet above Earth, NASA is hunting for the minerals that power phones, EVs and clean energy The microwave-sized sensor detects 'spectral fingerprints' of important minerals. Astrobitica December 24, 2025 (Last updated: December 24, 2025) 1 minute read The microwave-sized sensor detects ‘spectral fingerprints’ of important minerals. About the Author Astrobitica Administrator Visit Website View All Posts Post navigation Previous: New image sensor breaks optical limitsNext: Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus is an attractive target in the search for life—new research