Instrument class · Chemical & isotopic composition
Mass Spectrometer
An instrument that sorts atoms and molecules by mass, identifying the chemical and isotopic makeup of a sample of gas or dust — essential for atmospheres, plumes, and returned samples.
Instruments of this class
Knowledge connections
- Group includesSample Analysis at Mars (SAM)
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.