In this work the potential mineral identification of meteorites is analysed for the mid-infrared range, to evaluate observational possibilities for future missions targeting small body surfaces. Three carbonaceous and three ordinary chondrite meteorites are examined by a diffuse reflection (DRIFT) instrument, and the presence of principal minerals is confirmed by a powder diffraction method as well. The possibilities and constraints of mineral identifications in the mid-infrared are simulated by artificially degrading the spectral resolution. Our research shows that for the definite identification of principal mineral bands, a spectral resolution $\leq 10$~cm$^{ -1}$ ($\leq 0.15 \mu$m) is needed. At 20-100~cm$^{ -1}$ (0.3 - 1.5~$\mu$m) resolution the identification of these minerals is uncertain, and with a resolution $>100$~cm$^{ -1}$, it is almost impossible.
Categories: astro-ph.EP astro-ph.IM