RIMFAX
RIMFAX radar imager | |
| Operator | NASA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Norwegian Defence Research Establishment |
| Instrument type | Ground-penetrating radar |
| Function | Study subsurface structure |
| Properties | |
| Mass | 3 kg (6.6 lb) |
| Dimensions | 19.6 × 12.0 × 0.66 cm |
| Power consumption | Max: 10 watts |
| Resolution | 15 cm to 30 cm (3" to 12") |
| Host spacecraft | |
| Spacecraft | Perseverance |
| Operator | NASA |
| Launch date | 30 July 2020, 11:50:00 UTC |
| Rocket | Atlas V |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral, SLC-41 |
| COSPAR ID | 2020-052A |
The Radar Imager for Mars' subsurface experiment (RIMFAX) is a ground-penetrating radar on NASA's Perseverance rover, part of the Mars 2020 mission. It uses radar waves to see geologic features under the surface.
The device can make detections dozens of meters/yards underneath ground, such as for buried sand dunes or lava feature.
RIMFAX takes its name from Hrímfaxi, the horse in Norse mythology that "faithfully brings the night."
The radar operates at radio frequencies of 150–1200 MHz and uses a Bow-Tie Slot antenna.