MERTIS spectrometer
MERTIS spectrometer
The Mercury Radiometer and Thermal Infrared Spectrometer (MERTIS) instrument combines an imaging spectrometer with a radiometer, which is used for determining irradiance. The instrument has dimensions of only 18 by 18 by 13 centimetres and a mass of 3.3 kilograms; its power consumption is very low. The MERTIS sensors are unique – the imaging channel uses an uncooled microbolometer to measure infrared radiation, the first to be qualified for space in Europe. MERTIS will be used to investigate the mineralogical composition of Mercury’s surface, as well as rock-forming minerals. At the same time, the integrated radiometer will measure temperature and determine thermal conductivity. The scientists hope that the data will provide insights into the formation and development of Mercury.
