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AGU: Geophysical Research Letters

 

Keywords

  • Mars eregolith

Index Terms

  • Biogeosciences: Astrobiology and extraterrestrial materials
  • Planetary Sciences: Astrobiology: Formation of stars and planets
  • Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Instruments and techniques

Abstract

GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, VOL. 35, L12201, 5 PP., 2008
doi:10.1029/2008GL034296

Potential for non-destructive astrochemistry using the ExoMars PanCam

Michael C. Storrie-Lombardi

Kinohi Institute, Altadena, California, USA

J.-P. Muller

Mullard Space Sciences Laboratory, Department of Space and Climate Physics, University College London, Holmbury St. Mary, UK

M. R. Fisk

College of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA

A. D. Griffiths

Mullard Space Sciences Laboratory, Department of Space and Climate Physics, University College London, Holmbury St. Mary, UK

A. J. Coates

Mullard Space Sciences Laboratory, Department of Space and Climate Physics, University College London, Holmbury St. Mary, UK

We investigate the utility of adding a 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) light source to the ExoMars panoramic camera (PanCam) scheduled for launch in 2013. The modification makes it feasible to monitor rover drill cuttings for aromatic organic molecules and provide constraints on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) as a function of depth to the 2-meter limit of the ExoMars drill. This non-destructive triage allows prioritized deployment of organic detection experiments requiring sample destruction and/or expenditure of non-replaceable resources. Utilizing the Beagle 2 PanCam backup filter wheel fitted with original blue (440 nm), green (530 nm), and red (670 nm) filters we captured fluorescent images following 365 nm excitation of 3-, 4- and 5-ring PAH species doped on Mars analog peridotite grains. We demonstrate a detection limit for pyrene of 1.5 μg in granular peridotite doped at pyrene levels of 50 ± 5 ppm for camera-to-target distance of 1 meter.

Received 22 April 2008; accepted 20 May 2008; published 20 June 2008.

Citation: Storrie-Lombardi, M. C., J.-P. Muller, M. R. Fisk, A. D. Griffiths, and A. J. Coates (2008), Potential for non-destructive astrochemistry using the ExoMars PanCam, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L12201, doi:10.1029/2008GL034296.

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