Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer

Mini-TES is nothing but an infrared spectrometer. This device is used to examine the rocks and soils closely and to determine the process of their formation. It will also provide temperature profiles of the Martian atmosphere.

Mini-TES I2.1 kgs in weight, is located at the bottom of the rover neck i.e. the Pancam Mast Assembly. Thus the mini-TES gets the same view as that of the pancam but in the opposite direction. The PMA has scanning mirrors that focus the light on the instrument.

To do this, the spectrometer detects the pattern of thermal radiations of the rocks and the soils from a distance. All objects emit heat when they are warm, but the pattern depends on their composition. This variation in thermal radiation can help scientists identify the minerals on Mars. Since the mini-TES uses IR ( infrared) rays, it proves a huge advantage over other devices because thermal IR can penetrate dust coatings that are commonly found on mars.

One of the most important advantages of the mini-TES is that it can search the minerals formed by action of water (carbonates and clay)