Laboratory activities in support to the Ma_MISS experiment onboard the ExoMars2020 rover

Ma_MISS (Mars Multispectral Imager for Subsurface Studies) is the Visible and Near Infrared miniaturized spectrometer hosted in the drill system of the Rosalind Franklyn rover that will characterize the mineralogy and stratigraphy of the excavated borehole wall at different depths. Ma_MISS is designed to accomplish the following scientific objectives: (1) determine the composition of the subsurface materials; (2) map the distribution of the subsurface water and volatiles; (3) characterize important optical and physical properties of the materials; (4) produce a stratigraphic column that will provide information on the subsurface geology. Previous remote sensing measurements performed by OMEGA and CRISM suggest that the exposed rocks on the surface of the selected landing site (i.e. Oxia Planum) experienced an intense aqueous alteration. The widespread presence of Fe/Mg phyllosilicates, and more generally the presence of OH-bearing silicates confirm the interaction between water and the parent rocks. In this framework, we perform several spectroscopic measurements of minerals (Fe, Mg and Al clays, sulphates, zeolites, hydroxides), rocks, and perchlorate salts. The obtained results show that the Ma_MISS instrument has spectral range, resolution, and imaging capabilities suitable for the characterization of Martian subsurface environments.