APEX: Rainbow Vision across the Reality Spectrum: Preparing for Planetary Surface Spectral Sensing

Our Astrobiology and Planetary Exploration (APEX) seminar series this Friday 28th November at 13:00 GMT features the following talk:

• Dr Roger Stabbins (NHM): Rainbow Vision across the Reality Spectrum: Preparing for Planetary Surface Spectral Sensing across Theoretical, Computational, Laboratory and Field Simulations

An abstract for Roger's talk can be found below.

Please note the day and location for APEX this term: Fridays at lunchtime, 1-2 pm GMT, in Birkbeck room MAL 612, 6th floor of the Birkbeck main Malet Street building, and online (unless specified 'online only' below).

A hybrid (in-person and online) format will continue this term but, of course, we warmly encourage in-person attendance to support our visiting speakers.

Details of the forthcoming APEX programme can be found at the link below. The latest information will be advertised in advance of each meeting.  If you are not on our regular mailing lists and are interested in attending these seminars, please contact joanna.fabbri AT ucl.ac.uk.

Abstract

Reflectance spectroscopy and spectral imaging are key methods for planetary exploration, as efficient means to collect dense datasets on the distribution of materials across a planetary surface. The UK leads the spectral imager PanCam and the infrared spectrometer Enfys for the upcoming ESA ExoMars Rover Mission, and plays key roles in the development and operation of spectrometers and imagers across a range of present and upcoming missions. Here we showcase a suite of tools and methods that support verification and validation activities for the development of spectrometers and spectral imagers at the levels of an ideal model (theoretical), a virtual implementation (computational), a controlled reality (laboratory), and natural reality (field). We review theoretical models of PanCam and Enfys and their software implementations, and describe how they have been used to simulate data collection, investigate instrument sensitivity at the raw data and science product levels, and investigate on-board closed-loop algorithms, such as auto-exposure. We showcase how we have extended these computational methods into efficient tools for the exploration of generic high-dimensional spectral data, and how the knowledge developed through these projects have supported controlled laboratory testing of instrument performance, feeding into curation campaigns of extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft. The tools and expertise developed have initiated new international collaborations, namely involvement with the development of the OROCHIspectral imager for the Japanese-led Martian Moons Exploration mission. We highlight how foundational theoretical, computational and laboratory studies of these instruments and associated experiments have informed field campaigns by spinning-out quick-look rapid analysis software to support quantitative analyses on tactical time scales. Finally, we consider the future role of concerted theoretical, computational, laboratory and field studies in various stages of instrument development, from component selection and design optimisation through to data acquisition and analysis.
 

Links 

• Roger Stabbins' LinkedIn page
• APEX programme for this term
• Recordings of previous APEX talks

APEX Seminars

The Astrobiology and Planetary Exploration (APEX) seminar series takes place this term on Friday lunchtimes, from 1-2pm, in Birkbeck room MAL 612, on the 6th floor of the Birkbeck main Malet Street building, and online.  As in previous years, we will operate a hybrid (online and in-person) model for both speakers and attendees. Details of the forthcoming APEX programme can be found via the link below.

• Link to further information about our APEX seminars
• Some of our past APEX talks can also be viewed online.