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| Mars Oxidant Instrument |
The Mars atmospheric oxidant sensor (MAOS, pronounced "mouse") is designed to measure the oxidation rate of thin films on the martian surface. Scientists selected films that are sensitive to particular types of oxidants, that represent key elements in the martian soil, or that emulate prebiotic materials. Concern that naturally arising martian oxidants may have destroyed evidence of ancient life on Mars was raised by the Viking mission in the 1970s. The possibility that oxidants may limit the viability of biological habitats is particularly timely in the light of recent suggestions of contemporary flowing water on Mars.
Principal investigator for the sensor is Aaron Zent of NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. Richard Quinn, of the SETI Institute, Mountain View, Calif.is a co-investigator.
 | Photo No. ACD04-0088-001.JPG Photo Credit: Tow Trower |
 | Photo No. ACD04-0088-002.JPG Photo Credit: Tow Trower |
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