Photoreflectance spectroscopy with a step-scan Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer: Technique and applications Rev. Sci. Instrum. 78, 013111 (2007); 10.1063/1.2432269 Photomodulated infrared spectroscopy by a step-scan Fourier transform infrared spectrometerPresented here is a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer ͑FTIR͒ for field studies that serves as a prototype for future Mars science applications. Infrared spectroscopy provides chemical information that is relevant to a number of Mars science questions. This includes mineralogical analysis, nitrogen compound recognition, truth testing of remote sensing measurements, and the ability to detect organic compounds. The challenges and scientific opportunities are given for the in situ FTIR analysis of Mars soil and rock samples. Various FTIR sampling techniques are assessed and compared to other analytical instrumentation. The prototype instrument presented is capable of providing field analysis in a Mars analog Antarctic environment. FTIR analysis of endolithic microbial communities in Antarctic rocks and a Mars meteor are given as analytical examples.

Abstract-a real options framework for use in space mission design is presented. Such a framework has potential application in architecting flexibility in certain mission designs with the objective of maximizing mission utility. It integrates economic principles of cost, return, risk, flexibility, and other concepts from Black-Scholes option pricing theory and the multiplicative binomial process. Options pricing theory provides an objective method for valuing flexibility in making future investment decisions based on new information becoming available; such flexibility may have great value in certain risky ventures. This flexibility in the future may or may not exist without additional investment. The development of investment strategies to create flexibility must include answering the question "how much can be invested to create the desired flexibility?" The answer must include a priori estimation of the value that the flexibility provides; in this application the real options framework becomes a powerful tool. The utility of this tool will be demonstrated through conceptual examples; these examples will also illustrate some limitations of the method. This work is by no means a comprehensive study. At best it attempts to demonstrate that there are techniques and ways of thinking -frameworks -that offer benefits for the complex process of mission design for an uncertain and often risky future.

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