Thermal infrared imaging of Mercury - MERTIS - a new remote sensing technology

Gabriele E. Arnold; Harald Hiesinger; Jörn Helbert; Carsten Paproth; Thomas Säuberlich; Gisbert Peter; Ingo Walter

doi:10.1117/12.829044

1 September 2009 Thermal infrared imaging of Mercury - MERTIS - a new remote sensing technology

Gabriele E. Arnold, Harald Hiesinger, Jörn Helbert, Carsten Paproth, Thomas Säuberlich, Gisbert Peter, Ingo Walter

Proceedings Volume 7453, Infrared Spaceborne Remote Sensing and Instrumentation XVII; 745305 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.829044
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

MERTIS (MERcury Thermal infrared Imaging Spectrometer) is an advanced infrared remote sensing instrument that is part of the ESA mission BepiColombo to the planet Mercury. The scientific goals of MERTIS science are surface composition analyses, identification of rock-forming minerals, mapping of the surface mineralogy, and studies of surface temperature variations. MERTIS combines a push-broom IR grating spectrometer (TIS) with a radiometer (TIR), which operate in the wavelength region of 7-14 μm (TIS) and 7-40 μm (TIR), respectively. The instrument represents a modular concept of the sensor head, electronic units and power/calibration systems. The integrated instrument approach allows the subsystems TIS and TIR to share the same optics, instrument electronics and in-fight calibration components. The instrument is designed to achieve a signal-to-noise ratio above 100 in the 7-14 μm wavelength range with a spectral channel width of 90 nm. The TIS optical design combines a three mirror anastigmat (TMA) with a modified Offner spectrometer. The spatial resolution will be about 500 m globally and better than 500 m for 5-10% of the Mercury's surface. With an uncooled microbolometer detector, the instrument can be operated in the hot environment of Mercury without the need for a cryogenic cooling system. We are reporting on the measurement requirements, the status of the instrument development, and ongoing qualification efforts.

Citation Download Citation

Gabriele E. Arnold, Harald Hiesinger, Jörn Helbert, Carsten Paproth, Thomas Säuberlich, Gisbert Peter, and Ingo Walter "Thermal infrared imaging of Mercury - MERTIS - a new remote sensing technology", Proc. SPIE 7453, Infrared Spaceborne Remote Sensing and Instrumentation XVII, 745305 (1 September 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.829044

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available