KPLO gamma-ray spectrometer (KGRS) data processing with Python

In August 2022, the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO) was launched. The KPLO is equipped with six payloads for lunar science and technology demonstration. KGRS, one of the scientific instruments of the KPLO, detects gamma rays across the lunar surface to survey lunar resources and create element maps. To obtain satellite position information, we used the Spacecraft Planet Instrument C-matrix Events (SPICE) system which is an observation geometry information system developed by NASA's Navigation and Ancillary Information Facility (NAIF). We could get the satellite’s position information through Spiceypy, the Python package for the SPICE system. Then, we make the 3D graphs showing the position of the KPLO and the coordinates of the lunar surface that the KGRS points toward. Next, we classify and sum the data according to coordinates for the mapping. To count how much data each region contains, we graph the presence and number of classified data sets. The KGRS data processing procedure was developed with Python code. Building a process to handle satellite data through Python has an advantage in that data can be easily accessed even by people who are not familiar with programming.