Laser-Induced Remote Analyzer (LIRA)
Two of LIRA’s innovations include a > 9 m LIBS target working distance as validated experimentally, and extended spectral resolution to 0.1 nm using 8096 spectral pixels from 225 to 830 nm
MPBC’s LIRA is prototype for a Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectrometer (LIBS) payload with a path to space. The system integrates a 1 to 10 m varifocus telescope with a 2-D colour imager and a point laser range-finder.
| Platform | CSA Mars rover prototype |
| Minerals analyzed | Natural rocks, regolith, dust-covered samples |
| Elements measured | Si, Ca, Ti, Fe, Al, Mg, Mn, Na, K, H, N, O |
Specifications
| Analysis range | 1 - 5 | m |
| Pan | 350 | ° |
| Tilt | +30/-90 | °C |
| Laser power | ~ 10 | mJ |
| Spectral band | 225 - 830 | nm |
| Spectral resolution | ~ 0.1 | nm |
| Wavelength | 1574 | nm |
| Level of detection, by mass | 0.03 | % |
| Frame rate | 1 - 10 | fps |
| Mass | 19 | kg |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 844 x 325 x 256 | mm |
| Operating Temperature | -5° to +40 | ° |
| TRL | 5 - Tested for integration with CSA rovers |
Partners
MPB Communications Inc., IMI, INO, Xiphos Systems Corporation, MDA Space Misions, University of Winnipeg, J.P. Innovations
MPB Contribution
Project prime, responsible for the design, integration, and testing of the LIRA unit
Mission
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Field-tested on the Juno Rover in a Mars Yard at CSA