The Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini-TES) is located at the base of the Pancam mast, but uses sensors on the Pancam head and provides the ability to detect interesting science targets from a distance. The mini-tes uses the thermal radiation spectrum of Martian rocks to determine their mineral content. The Mossbauer Spectrometer (MB) is designed specifically for the study of iron bearing minerals, which are abundant on Mars. The Mossbauer is located on the IDD and is placed directly onto the soil or rock to take measurements, which take about 12 hours.The Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) is designed to determine the elemental chemistry of rocks by measuring alpha particles emitted by radiation decay and x-rays which are a type of electromagnetic radiation. The APXS is also located on the IDD and takes about ten hours to take measurements.
The Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) is a grinder that is used to remove surface coatings that cover rocks and changes it's chemistry over time. The RAT is able to grind a hole approximately 2 inches in diameter and .2 inches deep exposing the interior of the rock, which represents it's prior history.
