The main scientific goal of Solar Orbiter is to address the central question of heliophysics: ‘how does the Sun create and control the heliosphere?’ To achieve this goal, the spacecraft carries a ...unique combination of ten scientific instruments (six remote-sensing instruments and four in-situ instruments) towards the innermost regions of the Solar System, to as close as 0.28 AU from the Sun during segments of its orbit. The orbital inclination will be progressively increased so that the spacecraft reaches higher solar latitudes (up to 34° towards the end of the mission), making detailed studies of the polar regions of the Sun possible for the first time. This paper presents the spacecraft and its intended trip around the Sun. We also discuss the main engineering challenges that had to be addressed during the development cycle, instrument integration, and testing of the spacecraft.
The paper describes the Rosetta Lander named Philae and introduces its complement of scientific instruments. Philae was launched aboard the European Space Agency Rosetta spacecraft on 02 March 2004 ...and is expected to land and operate on the nucleus of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko at a distance of about 3 AU from the Sun. Its overall mass is ~98 kg (plus the support systems remaining on the Orbiter), including its scientific payload of ~27 kg. It will operate autonomously, using the Rosetta Orbiter as a communication relay to Earth. The scientific goals of its experiments focus on elemental, isotopic, molecular and mineralogical composition of the cometary material, the characterization of physical properties of the surface and subsurface material, the large-scale structure and the magnetic and plasma environment of the nucleus. In particular, surface and sub-surface samples will be acquired and sequentially analyzed by a suite of instruments. Measurements will be performed primarily during descent and along the first five days following touch-down. Philae is designed to also operate on a long time-scale, to monitor the evolution of the nucleus properties. Philae is a very integrated project at system, science and management levels, provided by an international consortium. The Philae experiments have the potential of providing unique scientific outcomes, complementing by in situ ground truth the Rosetta Orbiter investigations.
Planck pre-launch status: The optical system Tauber, J. A.; Norgaard-Nielsen, H. U.; Ade, P. A. R. ...
Astronomy and astrophysics (Berlin),
09/2010, Letnik:
520
Journal Article
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Planck is a scientific satellite that represents the next milestone in space-based research related to the cosmic microwave background, and in many other astrophysical fields. Planck was launched on ...14 May of 2009 and is now operational. The uncertainty in the optical response of its detectors is a key factor allowing Planck to achieve its scientific objectives. More than a decade of analysis and measurements have gone into achieving the required performances. In this paper, we describe the main aspects of the Planck optics that are relevant to science, and the estimated in-flight performance, based on the knowledge available at the time of launch. We also briefly describe the impact of the major systematic effects of optical origin, and the concept of in-flight optical calibration. Detailed discussions of related areas are provided in accompanying papers.
The XMM (X-ray Multi-Mirror) spacecraft, a spaceborne X-ray observatory to be launched by Ariane-5, stands 10 m high and measures over 4 m in diameter in launch configuration, for a launch mass of ...just under four tons. Such a tall spacecraft challenges the capabilities of existing European environmental testing facilities. Provisions were made in the design for a split according to geometry into an Upper Module and a Lower Module for environmental test purposes. Optical testing of the X-ray Mirror Modules - the core technological challenge - required the use of several existing and custom-built test facilities. In the face of strict schedule requirements, spacecraft-level test flows were organized around extensively parallel flows, and all tests were scrutinized for their potential for early problem identification. This article briefly introduces the XMM configuration and schedule constraints, explains the spacecraft-level model philosophy, discusses the consequences for each category of test in terms of facility and test specimen configurations, and summarizes the spacecraft test flows and the results achieved. (Author)
XMM's X-ray telescopes de Chambure, D; Laine, R; van Katwijk, K ...
E.S.A. bulletin,
12/1999
100
Journal Article
The X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM) observatory has, at its heart, three large X-ray telescopes, which will provide a large collecting area (1430 sq cm each at 1.5 keV, and 610 sq cm each at 8.0 ...keV) with a spatial resolution of around 14-15 arcsec. At the end of 1998, three months ahead of schedule, the three flight and the two spare models of the X-ray telescope were handed over to the XMM Prime Contractor Daimler Chrysler Aerospace (D). The X-ray telescopes show mechanical and optical performances much better than specification, which will undoubtedly bring important benefits for astronomers. This article focuses on the telescope design, with emphasis on the X-ray minors and baffles, and the X-ray and optical test results achieved with the flight models of the telescope, including stray-light reduction. Based on the lessons learned from the XMM experience, the prospects for the next generation of ultrathin X-ray mirrors are also addressed. (Author)
The XMM (X-ray Multi-Mirror) spacecraft, a space-borne X-ray observatory to be launched by Ariane-5 in 1999, stands 10 m-high and measures over 4 m in diameter in launch configuration, for a launch ...mass of just under 4 T. Such a tall spacecraft challenges the capabilities of existing European environmental testing facilities. The spacecraft design does allow for a relatively straightforward splitting into modules. The Structural and Thermal Model (STM) of the XMM spacecraft has successfully undergone mechanical environmental testing at the European Space Research & Technology Center (ESTEC). This article briefly introduces the XMM project, presents an overview of the XMM configuration constraints, explains the spacecraft-level model philosophy and mechanical test flow, and summarizes the present status of the tests performed. (Author)
An overview of the Rosetta mission is presented. The paper presents the design of the spacecraft, the payload, and a summary of each scientific instrument and of each experiment. The scientific goals ...of Rosetta are examined.
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