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MSL Chemistry and Mineralogy X-Ray Diffraction X-Ray Fluorescence (CheMin) InstrumentThis paper provides an overview of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Chemistry and Mineralogy Xray 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.
Document ID
20150008755
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Zimmerman, Wayne
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Blake, Dave
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Harris, William
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Morookian, John Michael
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Randall, Dave
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Reder, Leonard J.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Sarrazin, Phillipe
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
May 26, 2015
Publication Date
March 2, 2013
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: IEEE Aerospace Conference
Location: Big Sky, MT
Country: United States
Start Date: March 2, 2013
End Date: March 9, 2013
Sponsors: Prognostics and Health Management Society (PHM), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
sample chemistry
sampling

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