Laser analysis

On-the-spot analysis of basalt rocks at the Bjockfjord volcanic complex on Spitsbergen Island, Norway, during testing for ExoMars. On the left, a high-resolution image of a basalt rock shows the spots identified for further analysis. On the right, the results of laser-based Raman spectroscopy obtained in some of these selected spots; at spots 5 and 6, Raman detected organic b-carotene and pyroxene. This testing was performed during the development of the Raman Laser Spectrometer instrument, due to fly on ESA’s 2020 ExoMars rover.