Remote-Sensing of Planetary Surface Using Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract

Infrared remote sensing provides essential knowledge about the current state of solid planetary surfaces. This allows addressing fundamental questions in comparative planetology. A large part of our knowledge about surface composition and structure of solid planetary surfaces is based on infrared remote sensing techniques. These techniques allow performing mineralogical composition analyses, measurement of surface temperature, thermal inertia, and photometric observation of surface regolith texture. The combination of geological mapping based on (visible light) imaging with infrared spectral data forms the basis for comparative studies in planetology. This paper will provide an overview of what we have learned about the surfaces of planetary bodies using infrared techniques from orbit and provide an outlook on future plans. Typically examples of the main types of instruments are described, and the interplay of disciplines like planetology, IR measuring techniques, and space flight engineering is demonstrated