Visible Infrared Mapping Spectrometer--visible channel (VIMS-V)

The VIMS-V is a passive remote sensing instrument under development for the Italian Space Agency to perform high resolution spectral imaging in the optical waveband. Its unique design relies substantially on conventional materials and fabrication techniques to obtain high sensitivity and versatility in a compact, lightweight, and low power instrument suitable for deep space missions. The prototype will fly on the Cassini spacecraft and operate in unison with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's IR channel to map the surface spatial distribution of mineral and chemical species of Saturn, its rings, and its satellites.