![]() In MPO-MAG, two sensors are used on one of the MPO's arms to investigate Mercury's magnetic field. As already discovered by the Mariner 10 probe, Mercury is surrounded by a magnetic field with a strength that corresponds to one percent of the Earth's magnetic field. The MPO-MAG experiment is a high-resolution digital magnetometer. The operation and scientific evaluation of the data takes place under the direction of the DLR Institute of Planetary Research. BELA was developed and built by DLR in collaboration with the University of Bern, the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía and industry. Sophisticated protective measurements and comprehensive heat and light protection prevent the instrument from overheating or radiation damage to occur due to the extreme temperatures on the planet. "In addition, we can use the shape of the reflected pulses to determine the surface roughness, which helps us better understand the physical and geological processes shaping the planet," explains Hauke Hußmann, scientific project manager of BELA. From the duration of millions of laser pulses, a 3-D model of the entire surface of Mercury will emerge in the course of the mission. ![]() The higher a landscape point is located, the shorter the time required for the laser pulse to travel to the surface and from there to BELA's sensor. Every second it sends 10 laser pulses towards Mercury and receives the signal reflected from the surface in a fraction of a second. The BELA laser altimeter provides information about the global shape, rotation and topography of the planet closest to the Sun. The operation is carried out under the direction of the DLR Institute of Planetary Research, while the scientific evaluation of the data is carried out with the University of Münster. The experiment is managed by the DLR Institute of Optical Sensor Systems, which designed and developed MERTIS. These are just two of a number of innovative technologies developed specifically for this experiment." The team is headed by scientists from the University of Münster and the DLR Institute of Planetary Research. "Both MERTIS sensors are unique," says the DLR experiment manager Jörn Helbert and adds: "The imaging channel uses a so-called uncooled microbolometer – the first to be space-qualified in Europe – using a sensor measuring only three by one millimetre, which was made from one piece of silicon and also serves as a slit for the spectrometer. Thanks to an innovative instrument concept, MERTIS is extremely compact and energy-efficient. In addition, an integrated micro-radiometer will provide data on the surface temperature and thermal conductivity of Mercury. Knowledge of the mineralogical composition allows scientists to make statements about the evolution of the planet. With a spatial resolution of 500 metres, it will identify rock-forming minerals on the surface in the mid-infrared range. Once in orbit, MERTIS will study the surface and interior of Mercury aboard MPO. MERTIS is an infrared imaging spectrometer and radiometer with two radiation sensors that will operate in the wavelength region of seven to 40 micrometres. Of the 16 instruments on board the two spacecraft, three were primarily developed in Germany: BELA (BepiColombo Laser Altimeter), MPO-MAG (MPO Magnetometer) and MERTIS (Mercury Radiometer and Thermal Infrared Spectrometer). MERTIS and BELA – Use of sensors under extreme conditions The scientists hope that this will also deliver new insights into the formation of the Solar System.ĭuring the voyage, both orbiters will travel on board the Mercury Composite Spacecraft (MCS), which will supply them with power and, thanks to a special shield – the MMO Sunshield and Interface Structure (MOSIF) – protect them from the extreme temperatures that vary between 430 degrees Celsius on the planet's day side and minus 180 degrees Celsius on the night side.īepiColombo at the European spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana). Other mission objectives include investigating the solar wind, the inner structure and the planetary environment of Mercury, as well as its interaction with the environment nearest to the Sun. While MPO is designed to investigate the surface and composition of the planet, MMO will analyse its magnetosphere. The mission consists of two orbiters that will circle Mercury – the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO). ![]() Two spacecraft will investigate Mercury togetherīepiColombo is the most comprehensive European project to explore a planet in the Solar System to date.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |