Abstract
One of the primary objectives of the Viking missions to Mars in the 1970s was to search for life. Numerous theories were put forth to explain the Viking data, most of which involved an oxidizing species in the Martian surface material. In December 1992, the Mars Oxidant Experiment (MOx) was selected as the U.S. contribution to the Russian Mars 96 mission. Two landers are scheduled for launch in November 1996 and should arrive at Mars in September 1997. The MOx instrument on the Russian lander is designed to investigate the chemical nature of the Martian surface material, with particular emphasis on its oxidative character. The instrument uses fiber-optic technology to monitor real-time physicochemical changes in a suite of chemically sensitive thin-film materials. This report describes the scientific rationale and basis for the MOx instrument, along with the details of its design and construction. 15 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
