Infrared Spectrometer for ExoMars explained

Infrared Spectrometer for ExoMars
Operator:European Space Agency
Manufacturer:Russian Space Research Institute
Type:near infrared spectrometer
Function:surface composition
Mission Duration:≥ 7 months[1]
Webpage:ExoMars Rover Instrument Suite
Mass:1.74 kg
Dimensions:16 × 8 × 9.6 cm
Spectral Band:near infrared (NIR)
Data Rate:100 kbits per measurement
Spacecraft:Rosalind Franklin rover
Sc Operator:European Space Agency
Launch:NET 2028

Infrared Spectrometer for ExoMars (ISEM) is an infrared spectrometer for remote sensing that is part of the science payload on board the European Space Agency Rosalind Franklin rover, tasked to search for biosignatures and biomarkers on Mars. The rover is planned to be launched not earlier than 2028 and land on Mars in 2029.

ISEM will provide context assessment of the surface mineralogy in the vicinity of the Rosalind Franklin rover for selection of potential astrobiological targets. The Principal Investigator is Oleg Korablev from the Russian Space Research Institute (IKI).

Overview

ISEM Performance/units
Type Infrared spectrometer
1.3°
Spectral range near infrared

1.15 - 3.30 μm

Spectral resolution from: 3.3 nm at 1.15 μm
to: 28 nm at 3.30 μm
Filter acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF)
Detector cooler Peltier cooler
RF power 5 W
RF range 23–82 MHz
Detector InAs photodiode
Data volume 100 kbits per measurement
Max power
consumption
14 W
Dimensions
(optical module)
16.0 cm × 8.0 cm × 9.6 cm
Mass 1.74 kg

The Infrared Spectrometer for ExoMars (ISEM) is being developed by the Russian Space Research Institute (IKI).[2] [3] It will be the first instance of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) observations done from the Mars surface. The instrument will be installed on the Rosalind Franklin rover's mast to measure reflected solar radiation in the near infrared range for context assessment of the surface mineralogy in the vicinity of Rosalind Franklin for selection of potential astrobiological targets.[4] [5] As the number of samples obtained with the drill will be limited, the selection of high-value sites for drilling will be crucial. Working with PanCam (a high-resolution panoramic camera), ISEM will aid in the selection of potential targets, especially water-bearing minerals, for close-up investigations and drilling sites.[4]

ISEM could detect, if present, organic compounds, including evolving trace gases such as hydrocarbons like methane in the Martian atmosphere.[4]

Objectives

The stated science objectives of ISEM are: [6]

Development

ISEM is a derivative of the Lunar Infrared Spectrometer (LIS) being developed by the Russian Space Research Institute (IKI) in Moscow for the planned Luna-25 and Luna-27 Russian landers.[4] Collaborating institutions include: Moscow State University, Main Astrophysical Observatory, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the National Research Institute for Physicotechnical and Radio Engineering Measurements (VNIIFTRI) in Russia, Moscow State University, and the Aberystwyth University in United Kingdom. The science team includes researchers from Russia, France, Italy, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada.[4]

The instrument has been designed to specifically detect carbonates, oxalates, borates, nitrates, NH4-bearing minerals, that are good indicators of past habitable conditions such as aqueous minerals. It is also designed to detect organic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and those containing aliphatic C-H molecules.[4] In addition, ISEM can also detect seasonal frost, if present at the landing site, and it can be used to analyse the bore hole excavated by the ExoMars drill, if the rover backs away some distance.[4]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Habitability on Early Mars and the Search for Biosignatures with the ExoMars Rover . Astrobiology . Jorge L. . Vago . etal . 17 . 6–7 . 471–510 . July 2017 . 10.1089/ast.2016.1533 . 2017AsBio..17..471V. 5685153 . 31067287 .
  2. Web site: Inside ExoMars . European Space Agency . 8 . August 2012 . 4 August 2012.
  3. Web site: ExoMars 2018 mission . Институт Космических Исследований Space Research Institute . 15 March 2016.
  4. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/N_Evdokimova/publication/318610432_Infrared_Spectrometer_for_ExoMars_A_Mast-Mounted_Instrument_for_the_Rover/links/5ade2a8a0f7e9b2859438c4d/Infrared-Spectrometer-for-ExoMars-A-Mast-Mounted-Instrument-for-the-Rover.pdf Infrared Spectrometer for ExoMars: A Mast-Mounted Instrument for the Rover
  5. Web site: Howell . Elizabeth . ExoMars: Searching for Life on Mars . . July 24, 2018 . March 13, 2020.
  6. http://www.planetary-department-iki.ru/projects/future/isem/ISEM_Overview.pdf ISEM (Infrared Spectrometer for ExoMars) - Overview