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4 space instruments aboard the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter

The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) is in orbit around Mars since 2016. The main goal of this mission is to understand methane and other atmospheric gases in the atmosphere of Mars.

Measurement instruments for Mars research on TGO:

  • NOMAD:
    A high resolution solar occultation and nadir spectrometer

    A suite of three spectrometers designed to detect traces of the components of the Martian atmosphere and to map where they are on the surface
  • ACS:
    Atmospheric Chemistry Suite

    Three spectrometers for mapping gases, dusts and clouds
  • FREND:
    Fine Resolution Epithermal Neutron Detector

    An instrument for measuring the hydrogen content of the surface and subsurface
  • CaSSIS:
    Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System

    A camera for taking high-resolution images of the Martian surface

Instruments on TGO spacecraft
Artist’s impression of the ExoMars 2016 Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and Schiaparelli – the entry, descent and landing demonstrator module, with TGO’s instrument packages labelled. Credits ESA/ATG medialab.

 

Artist's impression of the ExoMars 2016 Trace Gas Orbiter at Mars. Copyright: ESA/ATG medialab