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Related Experiment Videos

Planetary Terrestrial Analogues Library Project: 3. Characterization of Samples With MicrOmega.

Damien Loizeau1, Cédric Pilorget1, François Poulet1

  • 1Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Orsay, France.

Astrobiology
|March 9, 2022
PubMed
Summary

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The Planetary Terrestrial Analogues Library (PTAL) uses near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to analyze Earth rock analogs for Mars. This helps characterize Martian geology and mineral evolution, supporting future ExoMars missions.

Area of Science:

  • Planetary Science
  • Mineralogy
  • Astrogeology

Background:

  • The Planetary Terrestrial Analogues Library (PTAL) project aims to create a comprehensive database for characterizing the mineralogical evolution of terrestrial bodies, with a focus on Mars.
  • Earth rock samples (around 100) were collected to represent diverse Martian geological contexts, including volcanic and sedimentary origins with varying alteration levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present near-infrared (NIR) measurements and interpretations from the ExoMars MicrOmega instrument.
  • To characterize mineralogical and elemental compositions of terrestrial rock analogs using techniques relevant to Mars surface instruments.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the MicrOmega NIR hyperspectral microscope, a spare instrument for the ExoMars rover Rosalind Franklin.
  • Collected and analyzed approximately 100 natural Earth rock samples with diverse geological origins and alteration states.
Keywords:
Hyperspectral imageryMineral characterizationNIR spectroscopyPlanetary surfacePlanetary terrestrial analogsSpectral library

Related Experiment Videos

  • Performed NIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy on the samples.

    • Main Results:

    • Presented NIR measurements and interpretations for all PTAL samples, including color composite images and spectra for selected examples.
    • Demonstrated MicrOmega's capability to detect mineral components and potential organic molecules not identifiable by other techniques.
    • Highlighted MicrOmega's ability to estimate spatial heterogeneities of mineral species.

    Conclusions:

    • The MicrOmega/PTAL data provides crucial support for future observations and analyses by the MicrOmega instrument on the Rosalind Franklin rover.
    • Spectral imaging with MicrOmega offers enhanced detection capabilities for mineral and organic components in Martian analog samples.
    • This research contributes to understanding Martian geology and the potential for past or present life.