Instruments

What are Science Instruments?

Science instruments are state-of-the-art tools for acquiring information about Martian geology, atmosphere, environmental conditions, and potential biosignatures.

 

THEMIS Instrument

THEMIS (Thermal Emission Imaging System) ›

Phillip Christensen, Principal Investigator Arizona State University, Tucson, AZ, USA

The Thermal Emission Imaging System, called THEMIS, views the visible and infrared reflections from the Martian surface to make a map showing the location of different mineral concentrations and their relationship to various landforms.
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GRS Instrument

GRS (Gamma Ray Spectrometer) ›

William Boynton, Principal Investigator Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

The Gamma Ray Spectrometer, called GRS, has mapped the amounts and types of chemical elements at or near the Martian surface by measuring the way gamma rays from space change when they interact with different surface materials.
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MARIE Instrument

MARIE (Mars Radiation Environment Experiment) ›

Cary Zeitlin, Principal Investigator Southwest Research Institute, USA

The Mars Radiation Environment Experiment, called MARIE, took the first measurements of the space radiation that would be hazardous to the crews of interplanetary missions, including missions to Mars.
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