The Bruce Murray Space Image Library
Schematic diagram of SAM's internal workings
Filed under spacecraft, explaining technology, Curiosity (Mars Science Laboratory)
A detailed gas flow diagram for Curiosity's SAM instument. Yellow boxes are the main analytical instruments: the Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (QMS), the Tunable Laser Spectrometer (TLS), andthe Gas Chromatograph System. Tan boxes labeled MN are manifolds, junctions of tubes. Microvalves (V) control where gases can flow. The Sample Manipulation System (SMS) with its Solid Sample Inlet Tubes (SSIT) handles solid samples and places them into ovens. There are two Wide Range Pumps (WRP) behind two High Conductance Valves (HC). Air enters the rover through two Inlets. There are two helium tanks (He) as well as a tank of oxygen (O2) and calibration gas. Scrubbers, Getters (G), and other traps can trap gases for later release and analysis. I don't know what (PM) are. Not shown in this diagram are the manifold and pipe heaters and the temperature sensors associated with each heater.
NASA / JPL / GSFC
Original image data dated on or about December 31, 1899
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