Grant: Special Research Opportunity Program - Project

The European Space Agency's ExoMars mission to the Red Planet, scheduled for launch in 2011, comprises a sophisticated mobile science platform equipped with an array of analytical tools. The rover and associated science laboratory that it carries are designed to evaluate Martian surface materials and to assess the subsurface via a drill and geophysics package. The primary science goal is to test for evidence of past and present life on Mars. A critical piece of the equipment complement is the Close-Up Imager (CLUPI). This is a lightweight, high-resolution, robust micro-camera (weighing less than 200 g). It fulfills the role of the geologist's hand lens in providing macro- to microscopic images of Martian rocks and soils. It will be deployed on the end of a robotic arm (to ensure mobility and dexterity). Its prime function will be to help characterize Martian materials and to provide information that will enable the scientist team to determine whether more detailed analysis is warranted using the Pasteur Science Payload. This proposal seeks funds to develop innovative image analysis software to extract textural information from CLUPI digital data. Development of a texture analysis capability will enhance the science return of CLUPI, as well as augment CLUPI's ability to support additional rover functions. The goal is to develop an autonomous mineral and rock identification package that will improve the effectiveness of CLUPI as a first-order sample evaluation tool. Given the launch date of 2011, there is a limited window of opportunity to develop an intelligent vision system, which will represent a distinctly Canadian contribution. This proposal seeks funding for three years (2007-2010), which is considered a realistic timeline and investment to secure a viable package. As well as supporting the ExoMars mission objectives, and respresenting a timely and unique research opportunity, the development of the image analysis system will provide for new applications on other planetary bodies (e.g., the Moon), as well as here on Earth. The ability of CLUPI to take colour, stereo, high-resolution images will provide excellent insight into the geology of the landing site, and may facilitate the identification of the first extraterrestrial structures of biological significance.