Surface Dust Analyser
The SUrface Dust Analyser (SUDA) is a time-of-flight mass spectrometer of reflectron-type that employs impact ionization and is optimised for a high mass resolution. The instrument was selected in May 2015 to fly on board the Europa Clipper mission, that is planned for 2025 to Jupiter's moon Europa.
| Operator | NASA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | University of Colorado Boulder |
| Instrument type | Time-of-flight mass spectrometer |
| Function | Mapping surface composition |
| Mission duration | Cruise: 3-6 years Science phase: ≥ 3 years |
| Properties | |
| Mass | 5 kg (11 lb) |
| Dimensions | 26.8 × 25.0 × 17.1 cm3 |
| Host spacecraft | |
| Spacecraft | Europa Clipper |
| Operator | NASA |
| Launch date | ≈ 2025 |
| Rocket | Falcon Heavy |
| Launch site | Kennedy Space Center |
This instrument will measure the composition of small, solid particles ejected from Europa, providing the opportunity to directly sample the surface and potential plumes on low-altitude flybys. Europa's internal liquid water ocean has been identified as one of the locations in the Solar System that may offer habitable environments to microbial extraterrestrial life.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.