What is the purpose of the OTES instrument?
The OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES) instrument is a cutting-edge tool designed to provide remote measurements of mineralogy and thermophysical properties of Bennu, a near-Earth asteroid. Its main purpose is to map the surface of Bennu, aid in selecting the optimal sampling site for the OSIRIS-REx mission, and investigate the Yarkovsky effect. Through its advanced technology, OTES aims to enhance our understanding of the asteroid’s composition and thermal behavior.
How does the OTES instrument work?
The OTES instrument functions as a Fourier transform spectrometer, covering a wide spectral range from 5.71 to 100 μm. Utilizing a Cassegrain telescope and a moving mirror assembly, OTES captures thermal emissions from Bennu’s surface. The instrument incorporates a pyroelectric detector for sampling interferograms at a rapid rate, enabling precise measurement of thermal radiance. Laser diodes and a metrology interferometer ensure accurate control of the moving mirror, optimizing infrared sampling. Additionally, a blackbody target provides radiometric calibration, ensuring data accuracy. The compact size, low power consumption, and high precision of OTES make it a crucial asset for space exploration missions.
Who developed the OTES instrument?
The OTES instrument was developed by Arizona State University in collaboration with Moog Broad Reach for the electronics system. The entire development process, including integration and calibration, was conducted at the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, AZ. This collaborative effort between academia and industry showcases the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing space exploration technology.
Overall, the OTES instrument represents a significant leap in remote sensing capabilities for studying asteroids like Bennu. Its high precision, compact design, and advanced spectrometer technology pave the way for more in-depth analyses of celestial bodies and their mineralogical compositions. By shedding light on the thermal properties and mineralogy of asteroids, OTES contributes valuable data to our understanding of these enigmatic space objects.
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