Author:
Bunce Emma J.,Martindale Adrian,Lindsay Simon,Muinonen Karri,Rothery David A.,Pearson Jim,McDonnell Ivor,Thomas Chris,Thornhill Julian,Tikkanen Tuomo,Feldman Charly,Huovelin Juhani,Korpela Seppo,Esko Eero,Lehtolainen Arto,Treis Johannes,Majewski Petra,Hilchenbach Martin,Väisänen Timo,Luttinen Arto,Kohout Tomas,Penttilä Antti,Bridges John,Joy Katherine H.,Alcacera-Gil Maria Angeles,Alibert Guilhem,Anand Mahesh,Bannister Nigel,Barcelo-Garcia Corinne,Bicknell Chris,Blake Oliver,Bland Phil,Butcher Gillian,Cheney Andy,Christensen Ulrich,Crawford Tony,Crawford Ian A.,Dennerl Konrad,Dougherty Michele,Drumm Paul,Fairbend Raymond,Genzer Maria,Grande Manuel,Hall Graeme P.,Hodnett Rosie,Houghton Paul,Imber Suzanne,Kallio Esa,Lara Maria Luisa,Balado Margeli Ana,Mas-Hesse Miguel J.,Maurice Sylvestre,Milan Steve,Millington-Hotze Peter,Nenonen Seppo,Nittler Larry,Okada Tatsuaki,Ormö Jens,Perez-Mercader Juan,Poyner Richard,Robert Eddy,Ross Duncan,Pajas-Sanz Miriam,Schyns Emile,Seguy Julien,Strüder Lothar,Vaudon Nathalie,Viceira-Martín Jose,Williams Hugo,Willingale Dick,Yeoman Tim
Abstract
AbstractThe Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer is a highly novel instrument that is designed to map Mercury’s elemental composition from orbit at two angular resolutions. By observing the fluorescence X-rays generated when solar-coronal X-rays and charged particles interact with the surface regolith, MIXS will be able to measure the atomic composition of the upper ∼10-20 μm of Mercury’s surface on the day-side. Through precipitating particles on the night-side, MIXS will also determine the dynamic interaction of the planet’s surface with the surrounding space environment.MIXS is composed of two complementary elements: MIXS-C is a collimated instrument which will achieve global coverage at a similar spatial resolution to that achieved (in the northern hemisphere only – i.e. ∼ 50 – 100 km) by MESSENGER; MIXS-T is the first ever X-ray telescope to be sent to another planet and will, during periods of high solar activity (or intense precipitation of charged particles), reveal the X-ray flux from Mercury at better than 10 km resolution. The design, performance, scientific goals and operations plans of the instrument are discussed, including the initial results from commissioning in space.
Funder
The Royal Society
European Space Agency
Academy of Finland
Science and Technology Facilities Council
United Kingdom Space Agency
MEC/MINECO/MICINN
Tekes
Max Planck society
University of Leicester
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Space and Planetary Science,Astronomy and Astrophysics