SuperCam Calibration Targets: Design and Development

Area of Science:

• Planetary Science
• Remote Sensing
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• The Mars 2020 mission utilizes the SuperCam instrument suite for in-situ analysis of Martian geology.
• SuperCam integrates multiple spectroscopic and imaging techniques, posing calibration challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the design, development, and verification of the SuperCam Calibration Target (SCCT).
• To ensure the calibration and optimal scientific output of the SuperCam instrument suite.

Main Methods:

• Development of a robust SuperCam Calibration Target (SCCT) with diverse standards.
• Integration and verification testing of the SCCT for Martian environmental conditions.
• Co-alignment and calibration of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Raman, VISIR, and imaging data.

Main Results:

• The SCCT includes standards for imaging, geological samples, and spectral references.
• Hardware designed to withstand launch, cruise, landing, and Martian surface operations.
• Successful verification and functional testing of the SCCT, confirming its scientific utility.

Conclusions:

• The SCCT is essential for calibrating the complex SuperCam instrument suite.
• The SCCT enables accurate mineralogical and geochemical analysis of Mars.
• This work validates the SCCT's role in achieving the scientific objectives of the Mars 2020 mission.