Our Goals
Analysis of requirements for both planetary exploration and Earth-based instrumentation
The existing and available State-Of-Art (SOA) Mars and Earth data, scientific, mission and technological requirements will be reviewed in order to support the design of the portable instruments. In particular, the scientific target, also in term of analysis of the Martian environment, selection of suitable analogues terrains and samples, as well as the critical technologies required to miniaturize and meet payload criteria will be investigated.
Development of a prototype instrument suitable for planetary exploration.
The focus is on the analysis, design and development of a functional breadboard of a miniaturized and portable instrument suitable for robotic exploration based on luminescence techniques. The aim is solving all issues given by constraints from the mechanical, electrical, electronics, optics, sensors, control s/w, thermal analyses, along with the scientific and operational aspects.
Instrument validation of a prototype using terrestrial analogues and relevant rocks and sediments
The focus is on the prototype calibration, validation with actual samples, with test scenarios based on terrestrial analogues of Mars and Earth rocks and sediments. Validation will be carried out using both theoretical modelling and simulation and functionally equivalent and certified laboratory instrumentation. The prototypes will be validated according to the Validation Plan with respect to System Requirements as well as User Requirements.
Economic feasibility and impact of the instrument for both space and non-space markets
The development of a technological roadmap in order to transition from a functional breadboard to a flight grade instrument by increasing its TRL as input for the market study and development plans, IPR issues, and the establishment of new contacts and strategic alliances for the commercialization of this technologies both at European and worldwide level.