X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to determine the elemental composition of Martian soil
Planetary Instrument for X-Ray Lithochemistry (PIXL ) is an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to determine the fine scale elemental composition of Martian surface materials designed for the Perseverance rover as part of the Mars 2020 mission.[ 1] [ 2]
PIXL is manufactured and made by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory .
Science objectives
The scientific objectives of the instrument are the following:[ 3]
Provide detailed geochemical assessment of past environments, habitability, and biosignature preservation potential .
Detect any potential chemical biosignatures that are encountered and characterize the geochemistry of any other types of potential biosignatures detected.
Provide a detailed geochemical basis for selection of a compelling set of samples for return to Earth.
Gallery
PIXL imaged on Mars by the rover's navigation camera.
See also
References
External links
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