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]