The TES will measure infrared thermal radiation emitted by the martian atmosphere and surface. The thermal properties of the surface materials and their mineral content may be determined from these measurements. The spectrometer, a Michelson interferometer, will determine the composition of surface rocks and ice and map their distribution on the martian surface. Other capabilities of the instrument will investigate the advance and retreat of the polar ice caps, as well as the amount of radiation absorbed, reflected, and emitted by these caps. The distribution of atmospheric dust and clouds will also be examined over the 4 seasons of a martian year.
Resolution is a measure of the smallest object that can be seen in an image.
The low-resolution camera system will capture global views of the martian atmosphere and surface so that scientists may study the martian weather and related surface changes on a daily basis. Moderate-resolution images will monitor changes in the surface and atmosphere over hours, days, weeks, months, and years. The high-resolution camera system will be used selectively because of the high data volume required for each image. The MOLA uses a very short pulse of laser light to measure the distance from the spacecraft to the surface with a precision of several meters. These measurements of the topography of Mars will provide a better understanding of the relationship among the martian gravity field, the surface topography, and the forces responsible for shaping the the large-scale features of the planet's crust.