Computer Science
Scientific paper
Jul 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000came.work..103e&link_type=abstract
Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration, p. 103
Computer Science
X Ray Spectrometers, Geochemistry, Mars Missions, Chemical Analysis, Chemical Composition
Scientific paper
The determination of the geochemistry of Mars should be one of the most important goals of future missions to Mars. The detailed determination of the chemical composition of Martian soil and rocks will contribute significantly to understanding the origin and history of the planet Mars. The results of the Pathfinder mission demonstrated that the Alpha Proton X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) technique is the method of choice for in situ chemical analysis of rocks and soil. Some version of this instrument should be flown on all future lander missions to Mars to provide answers to many of the questions about the geochemistry of Mars. The APXS determines the elemental composition for all elements (except H, He). The results of analysis from the X-ray mode and from the alpha/proton modes are partially redundant and partially complimentary and there is excellent agreement between the two modes for elements that are analyzed by both. Especially important is the ability of the APXS instrument to determine the light elements (C, N, 0) because of their important role in organic matter.
Clayton Robert N.
Economou Thanasis E.
Foley Nicole C.
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