The Laser-Induced Remote Sensing for Chemistry and Micro-Imaging (ChemCam) represents the first active remote-sensing device sent to Mars. The camera portion of the instrument will capture high-resolution images five to ten times as sharp as those returned by the panoramic camera aboard the Mars Exploration Rovers.

The ChemCam allows for a much more rapid analysis of targets, and results will allow planners to make much more informed decisions about examining targets in further detail.