Jesper Henneke
Papers
2
Total Citations
17
H-Index
2
About
Jesper Henneke is a key figure in the precision instrumentation and calibration of planetary science missions, with a specialized focus on Mars surface operations. His primary research areas include X-ray spectroscopy, optical calibration, and terrain relative navigation for extraterrestrial robotic systems. Henneke’s most significant contributions center on the Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL), a micro-focus X-ray fluorescence spectrometer aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover. His 2023 work on pre-flight geometric and optical calibration of PIXL, which has garnered 12 citations, established the foundational accuracy required for the instrument’s elemental mapping of Martian rocks. Building on this, his 2024 study on the pre- and in-flight performance of Terrain Relative Navigation for PIXL’s Micro Context Camera addresses a critical challenge: the nearly 100°C diurnal temperature swings on Mars that can deform optics and degrade navigation. By characterizing these thermal effects, Henneke enabled the camera to maintain precise targeting for PIXL’s measurements, directly enhancing the mission’s ability to identify potential biosignatures. His work represents a vital bridge between laboratory calibration and real-world planetary exploration, ensuring that high-stakes data from Mars is both reliable and scientifically actionable.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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