HiSCI: A High Resolution Stereo Colour Imager for the 2016 Trace Gas Orbiter

NERC British Geological Survey, Geoscience Technologies

Dr C Jordan

Dr D Tragheim, Geophysics Marine Geology and Remote Sen, NERC British Geological Survey

Within the last 7 years seasonal plumes of methane have been detected on parts of the Mars surface. Methane can have a variety of origins including biological and so it is of high significance in the search for life. The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (EMTGO) for 2016 aims to analyse such trace gases. As part of a US-European team we propose a new High Resolution Stereo Colour Imager (HiSCI) for this orbiter. This will be the next camera in orbit around Mars and will ultimately replace the current cameras called HiRISE and HRSC. HiSCI will produce much improved colour and stereo coverage of Mars. Colour allows us to monitor changing land surfaces, and this might help explain the origin and rapid destruction of methane plumes above the ground. Stereo coverage will allow more of the Mars surface to be viewed in accurate 3d models called Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) that we produce. Some of our most important work will be to optimise HiSCI prior to its delivery in 2013. Using current Mars cameras we will also prepare DTMs of the ground surfaces associated with methane plumes in order to prepare for EMTGO followed by ExoMars and other landers. Our internationally recognised expertise in DTM production will allow for their faster production and greater ease of use by a wide range of planetary scientists. By testing and simulating HiSCI DTM production we will also develop some of the products such as roughness maps that will be used to certify safe landing sites once the current HiRISE camera is no longer functioning.

Impact summary: