Bottom: PIXL breadboard map, left, (and summed spectrum, right) of Proterozoic reduction spot (potential biosignature), showing local concentrations of V and other elements suggesting biological activity.
The PIXL Lab is where PIXL non-flight units and subsystems are tested, characterized and used for science research:
- Breadboard PIXL in ambient environment
- Brassboard PIXL in Mars simulant chamber
- Portable Micro-XRF (Bruker Artax-800)
- Videoconferencing capability
Science questions for Mars 2020:
- Provide detailed geochemical assessment of past environments, habitability and preservation potential
- Detect potential chemical biosignatures and characterize the geochemistry of other types of potential biosignatures detected
- Provide a detailed geochemical basis for selection of a compelling set of samples for return to Earth
Personnel / Contacts: