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| Paper: |
Determinative Mineralogy: An Essential Component of Planetary Exploration |
| Volume: |
272, The Future of Solar System Exploration, 2003-2013: Community Contributions to the NRC Solar System Exploration Decadal Survey |
| Page: |
89 |
| Authors: |
Bish, D.L.; Vaniman, D.T.; Blake, D.F.; Green, J.R.; Johnston, C.T.; Kelly-Serrato, B.A.; Ming, D.W.; Papike, J.J.; Yen, A.S.; Zolensky, M.E. |
| Abstract: |
Mineralogy is a fundamental characteristic of extraterrestrial
bodies because different mineral assemblages can be used to
characterize present and past conditions of the atmosphere, the
surface, the crust, and the deep interior of a planet. Many tools
are used in space exploration, and the exploration of
extraterrestrial mineralogy is no exception. The tools that are
needed include remote observations, in-situ analysis with landed
instruments, and analysis of returned samples in laboratories on
Earth. In a balanced exploration program, all three sources of
data are necessary. Likewise, no one method will provide the
information needed to understand the makeup and history of
extraterrestrial bodies. This paper is intended as a starting
point for the development of truly integrated mineralogic
instrumentation efforts that will combine the diverse capabilities
of many analytical methods.
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