Abstract
Prospects for a feature-oriented scanning (FOS) approach to investigations of sample surfaces, at the micrometer and nanometer scales, with the use of scanning probe microscopy under space laboratory or planet exploration rover conditions, are examined. The problems discussed include decreasing sensitivity of the onboard scanning probe microscope (SPM) to temperature variations, providing autonomous operation, implementing the capabilities for remote control, self-checking, self-adjustment, and self-calibration. A number of topical problems of SPM measurements in outer space or on board a planet exploration rover may be solved via the application of recently proposed FOS methods. Key Words: Feature-oriented scanning probe microscopy—Scanning tunneling microscope—Atomic force microscope—Nanotechnology—Space flight instruments—Planetary regolith—Bacteria—Biomolecules—Extraterrestrial life—Planetary mineralogy—Interplanetary medium—Meteoroids—Space debris—Cosmic dust. Astrobiology 9, 437–442.