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An Integrated XRF/XRD Instrument for Mars Exobiology and Geology ExperimentsBy employing an integrated x-ray instrument on a future Mars mission, data obtained will greatly augment those returned by Viking; details characterizing the past and present environment on Mars and those relevant to the possibility of the origin and evolution of life will be acquired. A combined x-ray fluorescence/x-ray diffraction (XRF/XRD) instrument was breadboarded and demonstrated to accommodate important exobiology and geology experiment objectives outlined for MESUR and future Mars missions. Among others, primary objectives for the exploration of Mars include the intense study of local areas on Mars to establish the chemical, mineralogical, and petrological character of different components of the surface material; to determine the distribution, abundance, and sources and sinks of volatile materials, including an assessment of the biologic potential, now and during past epoches; and to establish the global chemical and physical characteristics of the Martian surface. The XRF/XRD breadboard instrument identifies and quantifies soil surface elemental, mineralogical, and petrological characteristics and acquires data necessary to address questions on volatile abundance and distribution. Additionally, the breadboard is able to characterize the biogenic element constituents of soil samples providing information on the biologic potential of the Mars environment. Preliminary breadboard experiments confirmed the fundamental instrument design approach and measurement performance.
Document ID
19930019603
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Koppel, L. N.
(ARACOR Sunnyvale, CA., United States)
Franco, E. D.
(ARACOR Sunnyvale, CA., United States)
Kerner, J. A.
(ARACOR Sunnyvale, CA., United States)
Fonda, M. L.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA., United States)
Schwartz, D. E.
(SETI Institute Moffett Field, CA., United States)
Marshall, J. R.
(SETI Institute Moffett Field, CA., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Inst., Workshop on Advanced Technologies for Planetary Instruments, Part 1
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
93N28792
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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