HR: 1340h
AN: P43A-0900    [Abstracts]
TI: Camera, Hand lens, And Microscope Probe (CHAMP): An Instrument Proposed for the 2009 MSL Rover Mission.
AU: * Beegle, L
EM: luther.beegle@jpl.nasa.gov
AF: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, MS 183-601 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099 United States
AU: Boynton, J
EM: john.boynton@jpl.nasa.gov
AF: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, MS 183-601 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099 United States
AU: Mungas, G
EM: greg.s.mungas@jpl.nasa.gov
AF: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, MS 183-601 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099 United States
AU: Lee, P
EM: pclee@earthlink.net
AF: SETI Institute, 515 N. WHisman Road, Mountain View, CA 94043 United States
AB: We have proposed a single contact imaging experiment for NASA's 2009 Mars Surface Laboratory (MSL) rover mission with three core science objectives: 1) Assess the MSL landing region's biological potential by searching for morphologic/textural biosignatures in rocks and soil; 2) Characterize potential habitats on Mars, focusing on past aqueous environments and past (or present) endolithic habitats; 3) Characterize the local geology and geologic evolution of Mars, in particular in relation to H2O. In addition, as an easily accomodated opportunity, we have proposed to: 4) investigate implications of the martian particulate environment for human exploration. To meet these objectives, we propose to build and "fly" the Camera, Hand lens and Microscope Probe instrument or CHAMP, a compact and versatile imaging system to be mounted on the end of the MSL rover's contact instrument arm. CHAMP has a maximum spatial resolution of 3 microns/pixel, color (R, G, B), controlled lighting (white and UV), and continuously variable focus capabilities. CHAMP will allow examination of martian surface features and materials (terrain, rocks, soils, samples) on spatial scales ranging from kilometers to micrometers, thus enabling both microscopy and context imaging with high operational flexibility. CHAMP is designed to allow the detailed and quantitative investigation of a wide range of geologic features and processes on Mars, leading to a better quantitative understanding of the evolution of the martian surface environment through time. In particular, CHAMP will provide key data that will help understand the local region explored by MSL as a potential habitat for life. The proposed CHAMP Investigation addresses several of the central goals and objectives of the MSL mission and of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, and is responsive to MEPAG and PSIG goals and requirements. CHAMP will also support other anticipated MSL investigations, in particular by helping identify and select the highest priority targets for sample collection and analysis by the MSL's analytical suite. CHAMP will also allow the MSL rover to image itself in support of overall mission operations and the MSL Science and E/PO programs. The CHAMP Investigation's E/PO program will include extensive web-based activities and exciting informal education and public outreach content.
DE: 5460 Physical properties of materials
DE: 5470 Surface materials and properties
DE: 5494 Instruments and techniques
DE: 5499 General or miscellaneous
DE: 3672 Planetary mineralogy and petrology (5410)
SC: Planetary Sciences [P]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting