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Next: 8. Operations and Ground Up: 7.8 Scientific Instruments Previous: 7.8.11 Electrodes

7.8.12 Alpha Proton Xray Spectrometer (APXS)

This device, located in the WISP, will measure the chemical composition of the ice providing clues to the biological and geological history. It is very similar to the device used on Sojourner, from the Mars Pathfinder mission, except it is no longer necessary to harden electronics to temperature variation. Also, its stationary geometry allows simplification of the scanning head.