Planetary Science
ChemCam is mounted on the rover's mast and uses extremely powerful pulses of laser light to vaporize pinhead-sized areas of the Martian surface from as far away as 23 feet. The tiny flashes created by these pulses are analyzed by a spectrometer to provide scientists with crucial information about the composition of Mars surface materials.
- Planetary Science Focus Leader
- Lisa Danielson
- (505) 667-1703
- CSES Director
- Lisa Danielson
- (505) 667-1703
- Professional Staff Assistant
- Sarah Balkey
- (505) 667-8777
Advancing planetary knowledge and remote instrumentation
Our goal is to advance knowledge of planetary bodies beyond Earth, including surface properties and processes, internal structures, atmospheres and evolution over time. We seek to advance our abilities to design, build and operate remote instruments in extreme environments.
Planetary Science utilizes data from a broad swath of platforms, including satellite, airborne, in situ and laboratory measurements. One of LANL's most visible projects is the ChemCam on the Mars Rover.
