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Sample Analysis at Mars

This schematic drawing shows a rectangular metal frame divided into four sections - two flatter ones on the left and two deeper ones on the right - stacked on top of each other. Within the sections are the various solid-state components and reaction chambers that will be used to conduct chemical analysis of rock and soil samples on Mars.

February 16, 2009

The Sample Analysis at Mars instrument suite will weigh about 83 pounds (38 kilograms) and make up about half the science payload of the Mars Science Laboratory mission. It is a suite of three instruments that will search for carbon-based compounds associated with life.
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

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NASA/JPL-Caltech

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