Planetary Instrument for X-Ray Lithochemistry



Planetary Instrument for X-Ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) is an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to determine the fine scale elemental composition of Martian surface materials designed for the Perseverance rover as part of the Mars 2020 mission.

PIXL is manufactured and made by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Science objectives
The scientific objectives of the instrument are the following:
 * 1) Provide detailed geochemical assessment of past environments, habitability, and biosignature preservation potential.
 * 2) Detect any potential chemical biosignatures that are encountered and characterize the geochemistry of any other types of potential biosignatures detected.
 * 3) Provide a detailed geochemical basis for selection of a compelling set of samples for return to Earth.