VIRTIS Visible Infrared Thermal Imaging Spectrometer for Rosetta Mission
Abstract
The VIRTIS instrument is proposed as part of the ROSETTA orbiter payload. It is a visible and infrared imaging spectrometer designed to fulfill the objectives of the VIRSTM model payload instrument and to take into account the new mission scenario. In order to fully achieve these objectives, the VIRTIS instrument performances have to exceed the specifications of the baseline model payload instrument. The VIRTIS instrument combines a double capability: (1) high-resolution visible and infrared imaging in the 0.25-5-micrometer range at moderate spectral resolution (VIRTIS-M channel) and (2) high-resolution spectroscopy in the 2-5-micrometer range (VIRTIS-H channel). This improved capability considerably enlarges the scientific return of the instrument. The two channels will observe the same cometary areas in combined modes to take full advantage of their complementarities.
- Publication:
-
Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
- Pub Date:
- March 1996
- Bibcode:
- 1996LPI....27..253C
- Keywords:
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- COMETS;
- MINERALOGY;
- NUCLEUS: COMETARY;
- ROSETTA;
- SPECTROSCOPY: IMAGING