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About

Mathias Benn is a key figure in the development of autonomous instrumentation for planetary exploration, with his work centering on precision sensor systems and X-ray spectroscopy for Mars missions. His most significant contribution is as a co-author on the landmark paper “PIXL: Planetary Instrument for X-Ray Lithochemistry” (2020), which has garnered 135 citations. This work details the instrument aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover that uses X-ray fluorescence to map the elemental chemistry of Martian rocks, a critical tool for the mission’s search for ancient biosignatures. Benn further advanced PIXL’s capabilities by designing an autonomous optical sensor system that enables the instrument to precisely position itself relative to unknown rock surfaces, a challenge detailed in his 2022 paper. He also addressed the extreme thermal swings on Mars—nearly 100 degrees Celsius—in his 2024 study on the performance of Terrain Relative Navigation for PIXL’s Micro Context Camera. Through these innovations, Benn has directly enhanced the accuracy and resilience of in-situ planetary science, making him a vital contributor to the success of the Mars 2020 mission.