Abstract
Human explorers on the surface of Mars will have access to a far wider array of scientific tools than previous crewed planetary exploration missions, but not every tool will be compatible with the restrictions of this exploration. Spectrometers on flyby, orbital, and landed missions are currently used to determine the composition and mineralogy of geological materials of various types and sizes, from small fragments to celestial bodies in the solar system. Handheld spectrometers that are capable of in situ analyses are already used for geological exploration on Earth; however, their usefulness for human exploration missions and how data from multiple handheld instruments could be combined to enhance scientific return must be further evaluated. As part of the Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains (BASALT) research project, we incorporated two handheld instruments, a visible-near infrared spectrometer and an X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer, into simulated Mars exploration missions conducted on basaltic terrains in Idaho and Hawai'i. To understand the data quality provided by these handheld spectrometers, we evaluated their performance under varying conditions of measurement time, distance, angle, atmosphere, and sample matrix, and we compared data quality between handheld instruments and laboratory techniques. Here, we summarize these findings, provide guidelines and requirements on how to effectively incorporate these instruments into human exploration missions to Mars, and posit that future iterations of these instruments will be beneficial for enhancing science returned from human exploration missions.
Highlights
NASA’s Journey to Mars will require a paradigm shift in our operational and engineering designs to support humans as they conduct science and exploration in the realm of deep space and beyond
The evaluation of the usefulness of the different handheld spectrometers was guided by geological research questions, including: (1) Could differences in degree of alteration be effectively assessed through visual cues? (2) How would each instrument best support visual cues that identify alteration?
Handheld scientific instrumentation provides in situ analyses during exploratory field campaigns, characterizing geological samples in terms of their mineralogy
Summary
NASA’s Journey to Mars will require a paradigm shift in our operational and engineering designs to support humans as they conduct science and exploration in the realm of deep space and beyond. Humans cannot yet themselves voyage to Mars to test and develop tools and protocols related to sample selection, we can use analog environments and the framework of associated research projects to flesh out scientific, technical, and design requirements in service of this end goal. Development of these systems (e.g., handheld spectrometers and analytical tools) for future space flight (Young et al, 2013). These programs leverage both available commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies and the instrument heritage of past and current NASA robotic exploration missions during testing and informing design requirements. Efficient and accurate instruments will enhance scientific return during high-risk human excursions onto the martian surface
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