T-MARS 2022-2024

Client

University of Sherbrooke

Collaborators

Experts and students from Université de Sherbrooke, McGill University and the Geological Survey of Canada

Funding

Canadian Space Agency

Objective

The fundamental aim of T-MARS (Terrestrial Mineral Analysis by Remote Sensing) is to address one of the major challenges of planetary exploration: to gain a detailed understanding of the geological past and the processes that have shaped the surface of terrestrial planets and their moons, including icy satellites and asteroids. The main objective is to study the iron caps of the Canadian Arctic as analogues of ancient hydrothermal systems on Mars.

Methodology

The CGQ joined the team this year for its hyperspectral expertise and state-of-the-art equipment. We were able to test this technology to map the surface mineralogy of the iron caps in detail, as a proof of concept for the use of hyperspectral remote sensing in a mineral exploration context.

Equipment

SWIR hyperspectral imager mounted on a tripod for use on the ground.

Field

Resource management