Speaker

Scott VanBommel [1]

Abstract

Scientific instruments operating on the surface of Mars face a vast array of challenges that typically do not encumber a terrestrial laboratory. Over the past 15 years, many of these challenges have been tackled head-on, through analytical advancements grounded in a first-principles, physics-centric approach focusing on enhancing the science return of landed X-ray spectrometers. This presentation will discuss several of these advancements, spanning three generations of Mars rovers, including Curiosity and Perseverance which are currently operational on Mars. We will subsequently explore recent findings these analyses have unlocked, including new dangers that future astronauts on Mars will face, as well as a discovery that may challenge a prevailing narrative and the astrobiological potential of our crimson celestial neighbour.