Author:
Thomas N.,Hussmann H.,Spohn T.,Lara L. M.,Christensen U.,Affolter M.,Bandy T.,Beck T.,Chakraborty S.,Geissbuehler U.,Gerber M.,Ghose K.,Gouman J.,HosseiniArani S.,Kuske K.,Peteut A.,Piazza D.,Rieder M.,Servonet A.,Althaus C.,Behnke T.,Gwinner K.,Hüttig C.,Kallenbach R.,Lichopoj A.,Lingenauber K.,Lötzke H.-G.,Lüdicke F.,Michaelis H.,Oberst J.,Schrödter R.,Stark A.,Steinbrügge G.,del Togno S.,Wickhusen K.,Castro J. M.,Herranz M.,Rodrigo J.,Perplies H.,Weigel T.,Schulze-Walewski S.,Blum S.,Casciello A.,Rugi-Grond E.,Coppoolse W.,Rech M.,Weidlich K.,Leikert T.,Henkelmann R.,Trefzger B.,Metz B.
Abstract
AbstractThe BepiColombo Laser Altimeter (BELA) is the first European laser altimeter constructed for interplanetary flight. BELA uses a 50 mJ pulsed Nd:YAG laser operating at 10 Hz with a 20 cm aperture receiver to perform the ranging. The instrument also uses a digital approach for range detection and pulse analysis. The ranging accuracy is expected to be better than 2 metres and ∼20 cm in optimum conditions. With the given, only slightly elliptical, orbit, BELA should return a consistent data set for the most if not all of the planet. The instrument is required to function in an extreme environment with the thermal issues being particularly demanding. Novel solutions have been taken to resolve these issues. BELA is described in detail and its predicted performance outlined on the basis of pre-flight testing.
Funder
ESA Prodex
Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de España
Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt
Universität Bern
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Space and Planetary Science,Astronomy and Astrophysics
Cited by
14 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献