Improving relative humidity measurements on Mars: new laboratory calibration measurements

Abstract

In this paper we present new calibration measurements that have been performed with the ground reference models of the relative humidity instruments of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), Mars 2020 and ExoMars missions. All instruments are based on capacitive sensor head technology, and they are developed, manufactured and tested by the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI). Calibration of capacitive humidity sensors for the Martian environment has been a challenging task and special facilities are needed in order to create Martian conditions including all relevant environmental parameters that can be accurately controlled and measured: low pressure, low temperature, carbon dioxide environment and especially humidity. A measurement campaign was performed at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) PASLAB (Planetary Analog Simulation Laboratory) to determine relative humidity calibration datasets for REMS-H, MEDA HS and METEO-H instruments in temperatures from −30 °C down to −70 °C in low-pressure CO2. In addition to the stable point humidity calibration measurements in CO2, the instrument performance was tested with the actual Martian atmosphere composition and during long continuous measurements. The new calibration dataset has already been used in the flight calibration of the MEDA HS instrument, resulting in successful calibration and excellent accuracy. The results from this campaign will further improve relative humidity measurements on Mars by providing the means to reanalyze the current calibration of the REMS-H flight model and by allowing more accurate comparison between the two instruments currently on the Martian surface.