Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
10:35
Bringing the Visible Universe into Focus with Robo-AO
Published on: February 12, 2013
20.1K
The ADRON-RM Instrument Onboard the ExoMars Rover
I G Mitrofanov1, M L Litvak1, S Y Nikiforov1
11 Institute for Space Research , Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia .
Astrobiology
|July 22, 2017
Summary
The autonomous detector of radiation of neutrons onboard rover at Mars (ADRON-RM) will analyze Martian subsurface water and elements. This neutron spectrometer is key for the ExoMars 2020 mission.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Space Exploration
- Nuclear Physics
Background:
- The ExoMars 2020 mission is a joint effort between the European Space Agency and Roscosmos.
- Understanding the composition of the Martian subsurface is crucial for future exploration and the search for life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the physical principles, design, capabilities, and planned operations of the ADRON-RM.
- To detail the ADRON-RM's role in studying water and neutron-absorbing elements on Mars.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a compact passive neutron spectrometer (ADRON-RM).
- Analyzing neutron emissions to infer subsurface composition.
- Mapping the abundance and distribution of water and elements like Chlorine (Cl) and Iron (Fe).
Main Results:
- The ADRON-RM is designed for autonomous operation on the Martian surface.
- It will provide data on water and key elemental distribution in the Martian subsurface.
- The instrument's capabilities are tailored for the ExoMars rover's traverse.
Conclusions:
- ADRON-RM is a vital instrument for the ExoMars 2020 mission.
- Neutron spectroscopy offers a powerful method for in-situ analysis of planetary bodies.
- The mission will enhance our understanding of Mars's geological history and potential habitability.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview
1.4K
A conventional Raman spectrophotometer includes a laser source, a sample holding system, a wavelength selector, and a detector.
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
1.4K
01:13Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Infrared Spectroscopy: Overview
1.4K
Attenuated total reflectance (ATR) infrared spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique used to study the composition of materials. It is widely employed in chemistry, materials science, forensic science, and other fields where sample characterization is required. ATR has several advantages over traditional transmission IR spectroscopy, including the requirement of little to no sample preparation and the ability to analyze a wide range of samples.
The ATR process begins by directing a beam...
The ATR process begins by directing a beam...
1.4K
01:22Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
1.8K
An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) comprises several components: a radiation source, an atomizer, a monochromator, and a detector. The radiation source can be a hollow-cathode lamp (HCL) or an electrodeless-discharge lamp (EDL), both of which provide a narrow emission line of the required wavelength. However, some instruments use continuum sources and high-resolution monochromators to achieve a narrow range of radiation.
The atomizer used in AAS can be either a flame atomizer or an...
The atomizer used in AAS can be either a flame atomizer or an...
1.8K
01:30Electronic Distance Measuring Instruments
572
Electronic Distance Measuring Instruments (EDMs) are essential tools in modern surveying, offering precise distance measurements by emitting electromagnetic signals and calculating the time required for these signals to travel to a target and return. Two primary types of signals are used in EDMs — light waves and microwaves — each suited to specific environmental and distance requirements. Light-wave-based EDMs utilize either infrared or laser light, providing high accuracy over...
572
01:22Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
1.4K
The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers. Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.
1.4K
01:25IR Spectrometers
2.8K
There are two main infrared (IR) spectrophotometers: dispersive IR spectrometers and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers. In a dispersive IR spectrometer, a beam of infrared radiation produced by a hot wire is divided into two parallel equal-intensity beams using mirrors. One beam passes through the sample, while another is a reference beam. The beams then move through the monochromator, which separates the radiations into a continuous spectrum of different frequencies. The...
2.8K