This instrument is currently mapping hydrogen levels to a maximum depth of 1 m (3 ft 3 in) beneath the Martian surface, thus revealing shallow water ice distribution.
FREND can provide information while orbiting Mars on the presence of hydrogen, in the form of water or hydrated minerals in the top 1 m (3 ft 3 in) of the Martian surface.
[2][7] The main science objective of the instrument is to carry out high spatial resolution mapping of epithermal and fast neutron fluxes from the Martian surface.
[4] The second goal of FREND is to use its dosimeter to measure the radiation dose at the TGO orbit from energetic particles of galactic cosmic rays and solar flares.
[2][7] Cosmic rays are sufficiently energetic to break apart atoms in the top one or two metres of Mars' surface, releasing high-energy neutrons, which can be measured by FREND instrument.