NSSDCA ID: 2016-017A-03
Mission Name: ExoMars 2016The Atmospheric Chemistry Suite (ACS) consists of three infrared spectrometers with the scientific objective of investigating the chemistry and structure of the martian atmosphere across a wide range of wavelengths (near-infrared, mid-infrared, and thermal infrared). The instruments will be used to derive vertical profiles of density and temperature for various species and aerosols, search for previously undetected species, measure isotope ratios, monitor ozone, methane, and atmospheric dust and clouds.
The three spectrometers are integrated into a single unit mounted on the Mars-facing side of the orbiter. The ACS-Near-Infrared (ACS-NIR) is an Echelle-Acoustic-Optic Tuneable Filter Spectrometer covering the near-IR wavelength range from 0.7 to 1.7 microns. It can operate in nadir (looking downward at sunlight reflected from the surface), limb (looking at the horizon), and solar-occultation (looking at the Sun through the atmosphere at orbital sunrise and sunset) modes. The ACS-Mid-Infrared (ACS-MIR) is an Echelle spectrometer covering mid-infrared wavelengths from 2.3 to 4.6 microns. It operates in solar occultation mode. The ACS-Thermal-Infrared (ACS-TIR) is a Fourier spectrometer with two channels. One covers wavelengths from 1.7 to 17 microns and operates in nadir and solar occultation modes, the other covers 1.7 to 4 microns, is optimized for 3.3 microns (methane band), and operates in nadir mode.
All three spectrometers and the electronics are contained in a box-shaped (52 x 60 x 47 cm) ACS unit with a total mass of 33.5 kg. It is mounted on one corner of the Mars-facing side of the trace Gas Orbiter. Power requirements, including heating of 22 W, can vary from 39 - 85 W depending on operational mode. Total data volume is up to 1.6 Gbit/day.
Mass: 33.5 kg
Power (avg): 56 W
Bit rate (avg): 18 kbps
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Dr. David R. Williams
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Oleg Korablev | Principal Investigator | Institut Kosmicheskich Issledovaniya (IKI) | korab@iki.rssi.ru |