Mars meteorites and missions: Optimisation of spectral analyses for the ExoMars Rover

**This project has guaranteed funding from the UK Space Agency**

Summary

This project will develop and refine spectral analysis methods for Enfys, a new Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) spectrometer proposed for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin (EMRF) rover mission. Synthesis with the existing Visible and Near Infrared (VNIR) multispectral imaging instrument PanCam will maximise the scientific capability of the EMRF rover, providing critical mineral information for drill target selection.

Project description

The key science objectives of the EMRF rover mission, due to launch in 2028, are to: (1) search for signs of past and present life on Mars; (2) investigate the water/geochemical environment as a function of depth in the shallow subsurface1. An important part of preparing for EMRF is to understand the data that will be returned, for improving processing techniques and maximising the science return, but also in determining any limitations. Fundamental to this task is being able to relate the vast quantities of laboratory and orbital data with any rover data from the surface, in addition to exploring the type of data that will be returned.

The Panoramic Camera (PanCam) on EMRF is made of a stereo pair of Wide Angle Cameras (WACs) with 11 spectral channels in the VNIR, and a High Resolution Camera (HRC) with RGB capabilities2. Enfys is a SWIR spectrometer proposed as the replacement for the Infrared Spectrometer for Mars (ISEM3) instrument on EMRF. Together, PanCam and Enfys cover a wide spectral range, and will be the only stand-off, or remote sensing, instruments for geological interpretation and sample selection. As such, these instruments are crucial to mission success.

The overarching goal of this project is to determine the capabilities and best practice use of the Enfys instrument, focusing on the optimisation of spectral analysis with PanCam. The student will use and refine complementary methods, most of which have been developed by the project team. The aim is to determine how well Enfys and PanCam can identify different mineral and rock types. There are three main projects that will form the spectral analysis, with an optional fourth project of fieldwork:

1. Spectral Libraries. The most reliable and comprehensive catalogues of the reflectance properties of rocks and rock-forming minerals are laboratory-derived spectral libraries. These catalogues reflect measurements taken under controlled conditions, returning optimal reflectance signals of the material. Numerous catalogues are available, many freely and publicly, and as such serve as the ideal data for the first iteration of the spectral analysis.
2. Meteorites. All spectral analysis methods will be applied to meteorites in the NHM collection, collecting new data at SWIR wavelengths for Enfys simulation, and provide the second iteration of the spectral analysis. This work will not only investigate whole rock samples made of mineral mixtures, but provide a critical test on real Mars rock compositions. Analysis will be carried out using recently upgraded equipment at the NHM, as well as with EMRF emulator instruments at Aberystwyth University. 
3. Mars Surface. Despite the presence of an atmosphere, and ubiquitous dust, there still remains significant IR spectral variability on the surface of Mars. The third iteration of the spectral analysis will use orbital multi- (CaSSIS4) and hyper-spectral (CRISM5) data and publicly available in situ data from the Perseverance rover to refine our methods with Mars data, and in particular to investigate Enfys sensitivity to different types of noise.
4. (Supplemental). The student will also be offered the chance to take part in relevant analogue fieldwork when possible. At present, the first opportunity will be in Spring 2025 with Cousins’ group, to the Torridonian Supergroup and Strathclyde Group sites in Scotland. The student will perform in situ VNIR and SWIR analyses, complementary to the planned sample collection. Future opportunities may also include PanCam/Enfys fieldwork in Australia. Hyperspectral remote sensing data will also be analysed as analogues to Mars CRISM data, with EO-1 Hyperion data for Scotland, and NASA ISS EMIT data for Australia.

Suggested skills and background

This project will use techniques from different disciplines, providing the student with training in the use of remote sensing data for Mars and Earth, GIS software (e.g. ArcGIS, ENVI, SocetSet), analytical facilities (e.g. near-infrared spectrometers), with the potential for geological fieldwork in the UK and overseas. The project will use the world-class meteorite collection at the Natural History Museum, London, and would suit an enthusiastic individual with a background in geosciences in general, and geology and/or planetary science in particular.

The student will join the PanCam and Enfys science teams and will be registered at the University of St Andrews.

For informal enquiries or further information, please contact Peter Grindrod (p.grindrod@nhm.ac.uk).

Application Process

Applications can be submitted here.

Please upload the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Covering letter outlining your interest in the PhD project, relevant skills training, experience and qualifications, and a statement of how this PhD project fits your career development plans.
• Transcripts of undergraduate and Masters’ degree results.
• Two academic references including (if applicable) Masters’ project supervisor.

We strongly recommend contacting potential supervisors in advance, so that you can ask any questions, and also meet the supervisory team before you apply.

This is a competitive application process. All applications will be reviewed by the project supervisory team and an academic panel. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview, which usually lasts 30-60 minutes. As part of the process, shortlisted applicants will also be offered the opportunity to visit the NHM, to meet the wider research group, and tour relevant facilities. Shortlisted applicants will usually find out the outcome a few days after all interviews have been held.