| Operator | European Space Agency |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Spanish Astrobiology Center (CSIC-INTA) |
| Instrument type | Raman spectrometer |
| Function | mineralogical composition |
| Mission duration | ≥ 7 months[1] |
| Website | ExoMars Rover Instrument Suite |
| Host spacecraft | |
| Spacecraft | Rosalind Franklin rover |
| Operator | European Space Agency |
| Launch date | NET 2028 |
Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) is a miniature Raman spectrometer that is part of the science payload on board the European Space Agency's Rosalind Franklin rover,[2] tasked to search for biosignatures and biomarkers on Mars. The rover is planned to be launched not earlier than 2028 and land on Mars in 2029.
Raman spectroscopy is a technique employed to identify mineral phases produced by water-related processes.[3][4][5] RLS will help to identify organic compounds and search for microbial life by identifying the mineral products and indicators of biologic activities. RLS will provide geological and mineralogical context information that will be scientifically cross-correlated with that obtained by other instruments.[6]
- ^ Vago, Jorge L.; et al. (July 2017). "Habitability on Early Mars and the Search for Biosignatures with the ExoMars Rover". Astrobiology. 17 (6–7): 471–510. Bibcode:2017AsBio..17..471V. doi:10.1089/ast.2016.1533. PMC 5685153. PMID 31067287.
- ^ Howell, Elizabeth (July 24, 2018). "ExoMars: Searching for Life on Mars". Space.com. Retrieved March 13, 2020.
- ^ "The ExoMars Rover Instrument Suite: RLS - Raman Spectrometer". European Space Agency. 3 April 2013.
- ^ Popp, J.; Schmitt, M. (2006). "Raman spectroscopy breaking terrestrial barriers!". Journal of Raman Spectroscopy. 35 (6): 18–21. Bibcode:2004JRSp...35..429P. doi:10.1002/jrs.1198.
- ^ Rull Pérez, Fernando; Martinez-Frias, Jesus (2006). "Raman spectroscopy goes to Mars" (PDF). Spectroscopy Europe. 18 (1): 18–21.
- ^ The Raman Laser Spectrometer for the ExoMars Rover Mission to Mars. Fernando Rull, Sylvestre Maurice, Ian Hutchinson, Andoni Moral, Carlos Perez, Carlos Diaz, Maria Colombo, Tomas Belenguer, Guillermo Lopez-Reyes, Antonio Sansano, Olivier Forni, Yann Parot, Nicolas Striebig, Simon Woodward, Chris Howe, Nicolau Tarcea, Pablo Rodriguez, Laura Seoane, Amaia Santiago, Jose A. Rodriguez-Prieto, Jesús Medina, Paloma Gallego, Rosario Canchal, Pilar Santamaría, Gonzalo Ramos, Jorge L. Vago, and on behalf of the RLS Team. Astrobiology, 1 July 2017, 17(6-7), pages 627-654. doi:10.1089/ast.2016.1567