Once a planetary system has been chosen and the mission objective is defined, how the mission will go about exploring that objective must be explained. These instruments are explained more fully on the NASA website. Light spectra can enhance aspects of property studying. Can be used to map the surface of a planet, Measure the height of the surface and cut through haze or thick atmospheres. This differs from the Imaging Science Subsystem in that pictures can be taken on the surface of the landscape.
Cameras can look for the obvious, visible signs of life like flora and fauna or evidence thereof.
This type of spectrometer can identify the chemical composition of the surfaces, atmospheres and rings of planets and moons by measuring colors of visible and infrared light energy given off by the feature studying. This spectrometer measures infrared energy from the surfaces, atmospheres and rings of planets and moons to study their temperature and composition. Can be used to study planetary rings. This type of spectrometer can be used to analyze soil constituents. Examines clouds and suspended particles in the atmosphere.