Project Details
Description
The scientific objectives of the ExoMars rover are designed to answer several key questions in the search for life on Mars. In particular, the unique subsurface drill will address some of these, such as the possible existence and stability of subsurface organics. PanCam will establish the surface geological and morphological context for the mission, working in collaboration with other context instruments. Here, we describe the PanCam scientific objectives in geology, atmospheric science, and 3-D vision. We discuss the design of PanCam, which includes a stereo pair of Wide Angle Cameras (WACs), each of which has an 11-position filter wheel and a High Resolution Camera (HRC) for high-resolution investigations of rock texture at a distance. The cameras and electronics are housed in an optical bench that provides the mechanical interface to the rover mast and a planetary protection barrier. The electronic interface is via the PanCam Interface Unit (PIU), and power conditioning is via a DC-DC converter. PanCam also includes a calibration target mounted on the rover deck for radiometric calibration, fiducial markers for geometric calibration, and a rover inspection mirror. Key Words: Mars—ExoMars—Instrumentation—Geology—Atmosphere—Exobiology—Context. Astrobiology 17, xxx–xxx.
Status | Finished |
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Effective start/end date | 01 Dec 2015 → 28 Feb 2019 |
Funding
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (ST/N006410/1): £199,928.01
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Impacts
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Association of Science and Discovery Centres: Destination Space 2
Helen Miles (Researcher) & Matt Gunn (Researcher)
Impact: Public understanding, information and debate
Press/Media
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Heno: Dadorchuddio model o'r crwydryn ExoMars
29 Jun 2018
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Media coverage
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Aberystwyth scientists hoping to find life on Mars
01 Dec 2016
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Media coverage