ALMA is a telescope suitable for analyzing molecules in galaxies
because of: 1) a high sensitivity to detect faint radio signals; 2) a high fidelity
imaging capability to image actual gas distributions; 3) the ability to observe wideband multiple wavelengths simultaneously, and high spatial resolution.
Because of the small size of the clamshell - like Beagle 2 (the lander measured 7 feet across, or 2 meters, when unfolded), it was right at the limit of MRO's
imaging capabilities, NASA officials said.