Spectroscopic bi-dimensional observations of Halley's Comet in the U.V. range of the spectrum

The design features, performance range and mission functions of the trichannel spectrometer (TKS) scheduled for a flyby past Halley's Comet are described. The TKS will be sensitive to the IR 0.9-1.9 micron, visible 350-800 nm and UV 120-350 nm ranges, the latter including Ly-alpha emissions. Details of the UV optics, electronics and image microprocessors are provided, noting the use of a commercial microcomputer for test and evaluation of the equipment. The UV spectrometer will have a spectral resolution of 15 A, with the fineness of the data being dependent on the performance of the image intensifier. Observations will begin at 10 Mkm and end at an equal distance past the comet, with the nearest approach being 10,000 km. The spectral selection routines to be used are delineated.