These data will be used to map the occurrence of carbonates, sulfates, phosphates, evaporites, hydroxides, oxides, and silicates at spatial scales that are ideal for identifying small-scale geologic features. The objective of Mars Mineral Mapper is to greatly increase the spatial resolution available from the TES, using a limited set of optimized spectral bands to provide mineralogic identification within the data rate constraints anticipated for upcoming orbiter missions. Spectral bands will be selected to permit the identification and mapping of carbonates and other minerals indicative of aqueous and hydrothermal environments.
Alternate design using uncooled detectors is under study.