From this platform the PIXL instrument conducts its clinical Xray Fluorescence observations. PIXL discharges a concentrated Xray beam of about 120 µm in size (as thin as a single strand of human hair!) and collects a finger print size map scan of measurements. For PIXL to achieve this, it continuously checks and self-adjusts the range in between the instrument and the targeted rock to preserve optimum focus of the Xray beam. This operation is similar to threading a needle– needing terrific precision and is performed relentlessly a couple of thousand times for each scan.Written by David Pedersen, Co-Investigator, PIXL Instrument at Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
NASAs Perseverance rover took this picture of the Martian rock nicknamed “Rochette” on August 27, 2021, soon after it abraded a circular spot referred to as “Bellegarde.” Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
During the solar combination duration, the jobs science and engineering groups have had time to digest the information from Perseverance collected because the rover landed in Jezero crater. While taking an action back from the normal regimens of running the rover and its great set of instruments, we had the opportunity to review what the rover and its group has achieved.
Perseverance and its team have come a long method over the previous 8 months of operation on the surface of Mars. Early in the mission, the group dedicates much effort and time preparation first time activities: the very first drive, first use of science instruments, and first sample to name a couple of. These activities and establishing efforts to enable them were intimidating in the beginning, as they are highly intricate, requiring several onboard systems to team up. Now, it is part of the objectives typical regimen for the rover to gather rock samples and carry out distance science using the instruments installed on the turret that sits at the end of the robotic arm/manipulator.
Image caught of the rock Rochette after the target Bellegarde was abraded. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
The robotic arm and turret constitute a extremely steady and reputable platform that must support all percussion and abrasion tools while simultaneously supporting the two proximity instruments, PIXL and SHERLOC. Determining how to install all these systems on the very same platform was difficult, but with a creative mechanical style, a single shared platform was possible.
Early in the mission, the team dedicates much time and effort preparation first time activities: the very first drive, very first use of science instruments, and very first sample to call a few. Now, it is part of the missions normal routine for the rover to collect rock samples and perform distance science using the instruments mounted on the turret that sits at the end of the robotic arm/manipulator.
For PIXL to attain this, it constantly checks and self-adjusts the distance in between the instrument and the targeted rock to keep ideal focus of the Xray beam.
