Scientists demonstrate speed, precision of in situ planetary dating device
Image Credit: Shortpedia
The Southwest Research Institute scientists have increased the speed and accuracy of a laboratory-scale instrument for determining the age of planetary specimens onsite. The team is progressively miniaturising the Chemistry, Organics and Dating Experiment (CODEX) instrument to reach a size suitable for spaceflight and lander missions. CODEX will be a little larger than a microwave and include seven lasers and a mass spectrometer.