Raman spectroscopy and planetary exploration: Testing the ExoMars/RLS system at the Tabernas Desert (Spain)

ExoFit trials are field campaigns financed by ESA to test the Rosalind Franklin rover and enhance collaboration practices between ExoMars working groups. During first trial, a replicate of was remotely operated from Oxfordshire (United Kingdom) perform complex sequence scientific operation at Tabernas Desert (Spain). By following Reference Surface Mission (RSM), investigated Badlands subsoil collected drill cores, whose analytical study entrusted RLS (Raman Laser Spectrometer) team. The preliminary characterization core samples performed in situ through Engineering Qualification Model (EQM-2) Raman Demonstrator (RAD1), being this new, portable emulator RLS. In results where then complemented laboratory analysis using simulator commercial version Curiosity/CheMin XRD system. data, obtained closely simulating operational constraints mission, successfully disclosed mineralogical composition samples, reaching detection minor/trace phases that were not detected XRD. More importantly, many vibrational peaks potentially emitted organic functional groups, thus suggesting presence microorganisms arid sub-surface Desert. light forthcoming here presented proves could play critical role Martian environments potential traces live.