AST-1A Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Rock Abrasion Tool, Space Interferometry Mission, Infrared Spectroscopy
Document Summary
Nasa is still operating one of the these. Spirit was launched on june 10, 2003 and reached mars on january 4, 2004. It was last heard from in march 2010. Opportunity was launched on july 7, 2003 and reached mars on january 25, 2004. The rovers are searching for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet"s past. Infrared spectrometer to measure mineralogy of surface rocks. X-ray and gamma ray spectrometers to measure the composition of rocks. A rock abrasion tool and microscope to examine the minerals in rocks. Characterize the broad spectrum of surface radiation, including galactic radiation, solar proton events and secondary neutrons. As part of its exploration, it also measured the radiation exposure in the interior of the spacecraft as it traveled to mars, and it is continuing radiation measurements as it explores the surface of mars. Determined significant risk during the 2011-12 trip. Europa moon of jupiter (has ice fracturing)
