Chemistry and Camera (ChemCam) is a remote sensing instrument mounted on the mast of the Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity. It uses a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system to vaporize pinhead-sized areas on distant rocks and a micro-imager to capture the resulting plasma flash. Planetary scientists use the light spectrum from this flash to determine the elemental composition of Martian rocks and soils from up to seven meters away.
Heard on the job
ChemCam just zapped that layered outcrop and the spectra show high concentrations of calcium sulfate.
Also heard as
- Chemistry and Camera