NSSDCA ID: 2018-080A-11
Mission Name: BepiColomboThe Italian Spring Accelerometer (ISA) is a three-axis accelerometer designed to record all inertial accelerations of the spacecraft in order to have a measure of all non-gravitational accelerations. The scientific objectives are to, in concert with the radio science experiment: study the global gravity field of Mercury and its time variation due to solar tides in order to constrain the internal structure of the planet; observe the local gravity anomalies in order to constrain the mantle structure of the planet and the interface between mantle and crust; measure the rotation state of Mercury in order to constrain the size and the physical state of the core of the planet; and study the motion of Mercury center of mass in order to improve the determination of the post–newtonian parameters of general relativity.
Each accelerometer consists of a proof-mass, capacitive transducers in a bridge configuration, and a low-noise amplifier. Displacements of the proof-mass are measured by the transducers to give a record of acceleration experienced by the spacecraft. The frequencies are below the resonance frequency of the mechanical oscillator. The instrument is mounted on the Mercury Planetary Orbiter.
Mass: 5.8 kg
Power (avg): 7.4 W
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Dr. David R. Williams
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Valerio Iafolla | Principal Investigator | Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica | valerio.iafolla@iaps.inaf.it |