Measurement Specialties’ Temperature Sensors are an Integral Part of Mars Curiosity Rover

Measurement Specialties announced that the company’s space qualified temperature thermistors have been deployed in SAM (Sample Analysis at Mars) suite investigation within the MSL analytical laboratory aboard the Mars Curiosity Rover.

SAM’s primary mission focuses on exploring whether Mars had a history of supporting life, and also investigating its potential to support life at present and in the future. Gas chromatograph, quadrupole mass spectrometer, and tunable laser spectrometer operate in sync to extend the capability to detect organic compounds, thereby supporting this mission. These instruments are maintained at a chemical and processing laboratory having temperature monitors.

According to Glen MacGibbon, VP of Sales and Marketing, the company is honored to play an important role in this historic mission. The company’s temperature sensors are capable of meeting or even surpassing performance expectations. The recognition of Measurement Specialties’ technology for adoption within Curiosity Rover reflects the high potential efficiencies of the company’s monitoring temperatures in space. This was validated by Application Engineer at Measurement Specialties, Brian Seiter. As the components of Measurement Specialties have been used in the NASA GSFC S-311-P-18 space flight specification and for other existing satellites, its thermistors are considered to be a major tool of choice.

Weighting 2000 lbs, the Curiosity Rover successfully landed on August 6, 2012 Mars at Gale Crater by adopting a new parachute and jetpack procedure. The crater extends 96 miles across and includes a 3-mile high mound ‘Mount Sharp’. This mound consists of stratified layers, through which researchers can have a clear picture of the environmental conditions. The five-year long selection process of Gale Crate as the landing site required the efforts of 150 scientists and at least 60 sites were considered.

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