Scientific instrumentation for planetary exploration
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Mullard Space Science Laboratory
Abstract
Planetary science performed with space missions requires observations using high quality instruments designed to fit within tight mass and power requirements, and possibly with limited data volume. Instrumentation suitable for addressing observations required for planetary exploration will be studied for this project. Several instrument concepts may be analysed and refined, aiming to maximize scientific return through the employment of innovative approaches. The project may also involve the analysis of data from planetary missions.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST/R505171/1 | 01/10/2017 | 24/12/2021 | |||
| 1915558 | Studentship | ST/R505171/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/03/2021 | George Brydon |
| Title | Representative Data Simulator for Space Imagers |
| Description | Comprehensive and accessible software tool for simulating the performance and data output of a spacecraft camera (though the software could also be applied to other scientific imagers). The software combines the simulation of space scenes (e.g. planetary surfaces, comets) with modelling of a camera's performance (from optics to detector characteristics) in order to allow the user to produce data representative of real observations. Physically based simulation of radiometric, spectral and polarimetric light transfer gives the software wider applicability. |
| Type Of Technology | Physical Model/Kit |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Impact | The software has and is being extensively used in the study and development of the EnVisS instrument for Comet Interceptor. |
| Description | Interview on national TV program |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Short TV interview for Sky at Night, discussing the Comet Interceptor mission, and its EnVisS camera, which is the subject of much of this award's work. With Sky at Night's audience of >200,000, this provided good early publicity for the mission and instrument. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |