NSSDCA ID: 1975-083C-13
Mission Name: Viking 2 LanderThis experiment utilized an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRFS) in which four sealed, gas-filled proportional counters detected X rays emitted from samples of Martian surface materials irradiated by X rays from radioisotope sources (iron-55 and cadmium-109). The output of the proportional counters was subjected to pulse-height analysis by an onboard step-scanning, single-channel analyzer with adjustable counting periods. This instrument was located inside the lander body, and samples were delivered to it by the lander surface sampler. Calibration standards were an integral part of the instrument. Reconstructed spectra yielded surface composition data with accuracies ranging from a few tens of parts per million for trace elements to a few percent for major elements.
Mass: 1.95 kg
Power (avg): 3.5 W
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Dr. David R. Williams
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Priestley Toulmin, III | Team Leader | US Geological Survey | |
Dr. Benton C. Clark | Team Member | Martin-Marietta Aerospace | benton.c.clark@lmco.com |
Dr. Alexander K. Baird | Team Member | Pomona College | |
Dr. Klaus Keil | Team Member | University of New Mexico | keil@kahana.pgd.hawaii.edu |
Dr. Harry J. Rose, Jr. | Team Member | US Geological Survey |