Performance of the miniature thermal emission spectrometer (Mini-TES) for Mars 2001 Lander

This paper describes the science rationale, design, and the measured performance of the Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini-TES). Mini-TES is a single detector Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS), covering the spectral range 5-28 μm at 10 cm^-1 spectral resolution. The primary mission of Mini-TES will be to obtain mineralogical data for rocks and soil surrounding the 2001 Lander. Mini-TES also plays a key role in the Mars sample return missions in 2003 and 2005. The Mini-TES design is based on proven heritage from the successful Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) TES which is currently providing excellent science data from Mars orbit. Mini-TES has only 15% of the volume and 17% of the mass of MGS TES. The use of TES design heritage and commercial technology in a few key areas has led to a low-cost, robust design. Additional applications are anticipated for the Mini-TES in the exploration of other planets, moons, asteroids, and comets