Planetary Instrument for X-Ray Lithochemistry
Planetary Instrument for X-Ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) is an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer to determine the fine scale elemental composition of Martian surface materials designed for the Perseverance rover as part of the Mars 2020 mission.[1][2]

Mars Perseverance rover - PIXL studies a rock (artist concept)
Science Objectives[3]
- Provide detailed geochemical assessment of past environments, habitability, and biosignature preservation potential.
- Detect any potential chemical biosignatures that are encountered and characterize the geochemistry of any other types of potential biosignatures detected.
- Provide a detailed geochemical basis for selection of a compelling set of samples for return to Earth.
Gallery

Perseverance rover - PIXL (31 July 2014).
Planetary Instrument for X-Ray Lithochemistry (PIXL)

Uncovered

Hexapod

Nightlight
X-ray fluorescence spectrometer developed for the Perseverance rover to analyze the composition of Martian surface materials.
See also
References
- Webster, Guy (31 July 2014). "Mars 2020 Rover's PIXL to Focus X-Rays on Tiny Targets". NASA. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
- "Adaptive sampling for rover x-ray lithochemistry" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-08-08.
- "Mars 2020 Mission Perseverance Rover: PIXL".
External links
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