Mars Orbiter Mission carries five scientific payloads to observe Martian surface, atmosphere and exosphere extending up to 80,000 km for a detailed understanding of the evolution of that planet, especially the related geologic and the possible biogenic processes on that interesting planet. These payloads consist of a camera, two spectrometers, a radiometer and a photometer. Together, they have a weight of about 15 kg. Payload Primary Objective Weight (Kg) Mars Colour Camera (MCC) Optical imaging 1.27 Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer(TIS) Map surface composition and mineralogy 3.2 Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM) Detection of Methane presence 2.94 Mars Enospheric Neutral Composition Analyser (MENCA) Study of the neutral composition of Martian upper atmosphere 3.56 Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP) Study of Escape processes of Martian upper atmosphere through Deuterium/Hydrogen 1.97 Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP) Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP) is an absorption cell photometer. It measures the relative abundance of deuterium and hydrogen from lyman-alpha emission in the Martian upper atmosphere (typically Exosphere and exobase). Measurement of D/H (Deuterium to Hydrogen abundance Ratio) allows us to understand especially the loss process of water from the planet. Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM) MSM is designed to measure Methane (CH4) in the Martian atmosphere with PPB accuracy and map its sources. Data is acquired only over illuminated scene as the sensor measures reflected solar radiation. Methane concentration in the Martian atmosphere undergoes spatial and temporal variations. Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyser (MENCA) MENCA is a quadruple mass spectrometer capable of analyzing the neutral composition in the range of 1 to 300 amu with unit mass resolution. The heritage of this payload is from Chandra’s Altitudinal Composition Explorer (CHACE) payload. MENCA is a quadrupole mass spectrometer based scientific payload, capable of measuring relative abundances of neutral constituents in the mass range of 1 to 300 amu, with a unit mass resolution. Mars Color Camera (MCC) This tri-color Mars color camera gives images & information about the surface features and composition of Martian surface. They are useful to monitor the dynamic events and weather of Mars. MCC will also be used for probing the two satellites of Mars-Phobos & Deimos. It also provides the context information for other science payloads. Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (TIS) TIS measure the thermal emission and can be operated during both day and night. Temperature and emissivity are the two basic physical parameters estimated from thermal emission measurement. Many minerals and soil types have characteristic spectra in TIR region. TIS can map surface composition and mineralogy of Mars.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 13:30:15 +0000
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