Scientific/Operational Support to the MSL ChemCam Investigation
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mars Science Laboratory Mission
Subcontract to PSI from Jet Propulsion Laboratory
External Partners
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Project Description
The foundation of CCAM on which most scientific conclusions are drawn is the determination of target rock chemical composition from CCAM atomic spectra. The solution of this problem is an ongoing high priority task for CCAM. Contributing to this effort is of highest priority to the PSI team, as is the support of and participation in ongoing CCAM surface operations. All tasks on this project will be performed in coordination with the ChemCam PI, Dr. Nina Lanza of LANL.
Tasks:
1- Develop data processing algorithms and long-term CCAM instrument performance tracking tools. Algorithms under test include in situ chemical classification using onboard calibration target LIBS spectra.
2- Employ algorithms developed in task 1 to monitor CCAM hardware performance and to analyze both CCAM data taken on Mars and CCAM data taken at LANL (using the engineering model of the CCAM instrument).
3- Participate in all aspects of ChemCam operational activities and develop software applications for use in CCAM operations.