Measuring air quality, emission, industrial chemical processes and detecting gas leaks with a sensor first used for analysing the martian atmosphere

A sensor for analysing the atmosphere of Mars helps to cut greenhouse emissions on Earth. A new portable device created by the young space scientist Hugh Mortimer promises a greener future by readily analysing the composition of gases, solids and liquids using the light they emit. Hugh and his partner Jolyon Tidmarsh are now hosted at ESA’s Business Incubation Centre in Harwell, UK, while they turn the invention into a commercial business. Originally designed to fly on future Mars probes, this little device is so sturdy it can withstand some of the harshest conditions on Earth, making it ideal for measuring air quality and roadside vehicle emissions, detecting gas leaks and monitoring industrial chemical processes. Its size makes it especially suited to fly on aerial drones for mapping the ground below or monitoring colour variations in crops for more efficient use of pesticides and fertilisers.