PanCam
Operator | Briz-M |
---|---|
Launch site | Baikonur |
The PanCam (Panoramic Camera) assembly is a set of two wide angle cameras for multi-spectral stereoscopic panoramic imaging, and a high resolution camera for colour imaging that has been designed to search for textural information or shapes that can be related to the presence of microorganisms on Mars. This camera assembly is part of the science payload on board the European Space Agency's Rosalind Franklin rover,[3] tasked to search for biosignatures and biomarkers on Mars. The rover is planned to be launched in August–October 2022 and land on Mars in spring 2023.[2]
Overview
This instrument will provide stereo
The Principal Investigator is Professor Andrew Coates of the Mullard Space Science Laboratory, University College London in the United Kingdom.
Description
Spectral parameter[5] | Mineralogical |
---|---|
530 nm | Ferric minerals (hematite) |
530 - 610 nm | Ferric minerals and dust |
900 nm | Best NIR absorption ferric minerals |
950 - 1000 nm | hydrated minerals |
670 nm/440 nm ratio | Ferric minerals and dust |
610 nm | Goethite mineral |
950 nm | Hydrated minerals, some clays and silicates |
440 - 670 nm | Related to degree of oxidation |
PanCam design includes the following major components:[5]
- Wide Angle Camera (WAC) pair, for multispectral stereoscopic panoramic imaging, using a miniaturized filter wheel. Both cameras have a focus range from 1 m to infinity.
- High Resolution Camera (HRC) for high-resolution color images. It has a focus range from 0.98 m to infinity, and it uses a 1 megapixel (1024 × 1024) STAR1000 radiation resistant detector. Its active focus capability allows for an eight-fold better resolution than the WACs.[5]
- PanCam Interface Unit and DC-DC converter (PIU and DCDC) to provide a single electronic interface.
- PanCam Optical Bench (OB) to house PanCam and provide protection.
See also
References
- PMID 31067287.
- ^ ESA. 12 March 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- ^ Howell, Elizabeth (July 24, 2018). "ExoMars: Searching for Life on Mars". Space.com. Retrieved March 13, 2020.
- ^ ESA. Accessed 24 July 2018.
- ^ a b c The PanCam Instrument for the ExoMars Rover. A.J. Coates, R. Jaumann, A.D. Griffiths, C.E. Leff, N. Schmitz, J.-L. Josset, G. Paar, M. Gunn, E. Hauber, C.R. Cousins. R.E. Cross, P. Grindrod, J.C. Bridges, M. Balme, S. Gupta, A. Crawford, P. Irwin, R. Stabbins, D. Tirsch, J.L. Vago, T. Theodorou, M. Caballo-Perucha, G.R. Osinski, and the PanCam Team