Mars Volatiles and Climate Surveyor (MVACS)

MVACS is an integrated payload with four major science elements: a Stereo Surface Imager, a Robotic Arm with Camera, a Meteorological package of pressure, temperature, wind, and water vapor sensors, and a Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer. Dr. David Paige (UCLA) is the Principal Investigator for the MVACS.

Stereo Surface Imager (SSI) Mast-mounted stereo color imager, clone of Mars Pathfinder IMP Multispectral capability (0.4 - 1.1 microns) Dual optics focusing on single CCD Provides panoramas of site and imaging support for other payload elements, especially the Robotic Arm and TEGA Images magnetic targets on deck Magnetic characterization of surface material Narrow-band imaging of Sun Line of sight optical depths of aerosols Slant column water vapor abundances

Robotic Arm (RA) & Robotic Arm Camera (RAC) 2-meter arm with articulated end member, camera, and temperature probe Digs trenches, to acquire samples of surface and subsurface materials, and support operations of the RAC RAC images surface and subsurface to reveal fine-scale layering if present and characterize fine-scale texture of the samples and trench sides

Meteorological Package (MET) Mounted on 1.2-m mast: wind (speed and direction) sensor, temperature sensors, and Tunable Diode Lasers (TDL) which measure water vapor amounts and specific isotopes of water and carbon dioxide. Secondary mast (0.9 m) is attached to the main MET mast: wind speed & 2 temperature sensors near the surface saltation layer Pressure sensors are mounted within the spacecraft On the surface, MET sensors are read at periodic intervals, as power permits

Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA) Uses differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) combined with gas-specific sensors to determine the concentrations of ices, adsorbed volatiles and volatile-bearing minerals in surface and subsurface samples acquired and imaged by the Arm RA deposits the sample in a receptacle, which is then mated with a cover to form the oven; Evolved gases are wafted to sensors which quantify the rate of discharge of oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor. Once used, the ovens cannot be used again. Eight surface [soil] samples can be analyzed.

Stereo Surface Imager (SSI): The mast-mounted SSI provides panoramas of the Lander site, characterizes the general environment at the landing site, and provides imaging support for other payload elements, especially operations of the RA and TEGA, and for the spacecraft, as needed. The SSI is essentially a clone of the Mars Pathfinder IMP; it is a multi-spectral imager accessing several wavelengths between 0.4 and 1.1 microns. This multi-spectral capability, together with onboard calibration targets, provides true color images. SSI also images magnetic targets on the Lander deck to characterize the magnetic properties of surface material. Narrow-band imaging of the sun provides line-of-sight optical depths of atmospheric aerosols and (slant column) water vapor abundances. Stereo imaging is provided by the dual optical lens systems focusing onto a single CCD.

Robotic Arm (RA); Robotic Arm Camera (RAC): A two-meter RA with an articulated end member is used to dig trenches at the site, to acquire samples of surface and subsurface materials, and to support operations of an attached RA Camera. The RAC will image the surface and subsurface at close range to reveal fine-scale layering if present and to characterize the fine-scale texture of the samples and trench sides. The light-weight RA also supports a probe for measuring surface and subsurface temperatures.

Meteorological Package (MET): Mounted on a 1.2-m mast, the MET package includes a wind (speed and direction) sensor, several temperature sensors, and Tunable Diode Lasers (TDL) which measure water vapor amounts and specific isotopes of water and carbon dioxide. A secondary mast (0.9 m in length) is attached to the main MET mast, and supports a wind speed and two temperature sensors near the surface saltation layer. Pressure sensors are mounted within the spacecraft. Once on the surface the MET sensors are read at periodic intervals, as power permits.

Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA): TEGA uses differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) combined with gas-specific sensors to determine the concentrations of ices, adsorbed volatiles and volatile-bearing minerals in surface and subsurface samples acquired and imaged by the Robotic Arm (RA). The RA deposits the sample on a grated screen over a chute which fills the sample receptacle. This receptacle is then mated with a cover to form the oven in which the sample is heated; a paired (empty) oven provides a calibration for the heating run. Evolved gases are wafted to sensors which quantify the rate of discharge of oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor. Once used, the ovens cannot be used again. TEGA is designed to receive eight surface (soil) samples during the Lander mission.

For additonal information on the MVACS payload, please visit the MVACS website:

http://mvacs.ess.ucla.edu

---

Home	Mars Polar Lander	Deep Space 2 Microprobes	Mars Climate Orbiter
Welcome	Mailing List	Links	Credits

For questions or comments on this website please refer to our list of contacts.