Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Oct 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011epsc.conf.1232m&link_type=abstract
EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2011, held 2-7 October 2011 in Nantes, France. http://meetings.copernicus.org/epsc-dps2011, p.1232
Mathematics
Logic
Scientific paper
The Mineralogy and Chemistry Analyser (MARSXRD) is a miniaturised X-ray diffraction and fluorescence (XRD/XRF) spectrometer aimed to the mineralogical characterisation of Martian rocks. Simultaneously, MARS-XRD is able to acquire the diffraction pattern for mineralogical phases identification and the X-ray fluorescence spectrum for the chemical species, providing a complete rock characterization. The X-ray diffractometer (XRD) is the routine instrument used in every Earth Science laboratory to provide the mineralogical composition of rocks. XRD produces unequivocal results because it is based on the recognition of the geometrical properties of the crystal lattice. This kind of investigation is an extremely useful tool to define the textural and petro-mineralogical characteristics of the Martian rocks or soils and provide information on the past Martian environment conditions related to life. The analytic range we plan to cover includes all the silicate minerals, from clays or other phyllosilicates characterised by high interplanar lattice distance, to oxide and carbonates or evaporates (mainly sulphates). This rock spectrum is what we expect to be the target for exobiological exploration. These data will be integrated with those obtained by elemental analysis, in order to determine the exact elemental chemistry characterization of rock components. As mineralogy can be unambiguously derived from XRD analysis, it is probably our most powerful tool for distinguishing targets of biologic importance. In summary, the main scientific objectives of the proposed XRD/XRF instrument, Mars-XRD, are: - In situ determination of the mineral paragenesis of rock samples; - The characterization of the origin of rock samples; - Determination of alteration processes; - Understanding the exobiological potential of the samples. The hardware is developed by the Thales Alenia Space Italia with an important contribution of the Univ. of Leicester for the detection system.
Adami Giorgio
Ambrosi R.
Amils Ricardo
Assis Fernandes V.
Baliva Antonio
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