The Imaging and NIR Spectroscopy Experiments on the NEAR Spacecraft

The main objectives of the Multispectral Imager (MSI) and Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIS) experiments on the Near-Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft are to determine the shape, surface morphology, albedo and color properties, and mineralogy and mineralogic heterogeneity of the S asteroid 433 Eros, and to assess the relationship of this asteroid with known meteorite types. Achieving these objectives requires reliable instrumentation, a careful observational strategy, and rigorous data calibration and analytical procedures. This report reviews instrument characteristics and calibration, and inflight observational and calibration strategy prior to launch.