PanCam: the ‘science eyes’ of the Rosalind Franklin (ExoMars 2028) rover

The scientific objectives of the Rosalind Franklin (ExoMars) 2028 rover are designed to answer several key questions in the search for life on Mars by drilling 2m under the surface. The PanCam instrument, with the other context instruments, will set the geological and morphological context for the mission. Here, we will describe the PanCam scientific objectives in geology, atmospheric science and 3D vision. We also describe the design of PanCam as delivered to the rover. PanCam includes a stereo pair of Wide Angle Cameras (WACs), each of which has an 11-position  filter wheel for geology and atmospheric science, and a High Resolution Camera for close up investigations. The cameras are housed in an optical bench at the top of the rover’s mast, which also includes the electrical interface via the PanCam Interface Unit (PIU). PanCam also includes a calibration target, fiducial markers and a rover inspection mirror. We will describe how PanCam will work with Enfys and other context instruments to help decide where to drill. We also discuss some results from PanCam testing during field trials.