MSL Chemistry and Mineralogy X-ray Diffraction X-ray Fluorescence (CheMin) Instrument

Author

Zimmerman, W. ; Blake, D. ; Harris, W. ; Morookian, J.M. ; Randall, D. ; Reder, Leonard J. ; Sarrazin, P.

Author_Institution

Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Technol., Pasadena, CA, USA

fYear

2013

fDate

2-9 March 2013

Firstpage

1

Lastpage

15

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Chemistry and Mineralogy X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) (CheMin) Instrument, an element of the landed Curiosity rover payload, which landed on Mars in August of 2012. The scientific goal of the MSL mission is to explore and quantitatively assess regions in Gale Crater as a potential habitat for life - past or present. The CheMin instrument will receive Martian rock and soil samples from the MSL Sample Acquisition/Sample Processing and Handling (SA/SPaH) system, and process it utilizing X-Ray spectroscopy methods to determine mineral composition. The Chemin instrument will analyze Martian soil and rocks to enable scientists to investigate geophysical processes occurring on Mars. The CheMin science objectives and proposed surface operations are described along with the CheMin hardware with an emphasis on the system engineering challenges associated with developing such a complex instrument.

Keywords

Mars; X-ray fluorescence analysis; aerospace instrumentation; minerals; planetary rocks; CheMin instrument; Gale crater; MSL chemistry; MSL mineralogy; Mars science laboratory chemistry; Martian rock; Martian soil; X-ray diffraction X-ray fluorescence instrument; X-ray spectroscopy method; life habitat; mineral composition; sample acquisition; sample handling system; sample processing; Cameras; Extraterrestrial measurements; Fluorescence; Geology; Instruments; Mars; X-ray scattering;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Aerospace Conference, 2013 IEEE

Conference_Location

Big Sky, MT

ISSN

1095-323X

Print_ISBN

978-1-4673-1812-9

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/AERO.2013.6496835

Filename

6496835