Microscopic Imager (MI)

The MI consists of a Charged Coupled Device and a microscope. It is used to study the small-scale features of Martian rocks and soils. It greatly helps in enhancing the findings of other instruments. That is because; by use of the MI we have images that show the smallest details of the Martian surface. Pictures can also be taken of surface newly exposed by the RAT.

Microscopic imaging will be used to analyze the size and shape of grains in sedimentary rocks. This helps in analyzing whether water may have existed in the planets past.

The Microscopic Imager is located on the arm of the rover.