MMO (Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter)
MMO is the 'Spin-type' spacecraft with the spin rate of 4 seconds.
This is because of the "3-dimensional velocity distribution of particles" and "extension of four long wire antennas (15m) and two MASTs (5m) for electromagnetic field measurements with centrifugal force".
The spin axis is almost perpendicular to the Mercury equatorial plane. This is 1) the rejection of solar reflection light into the upper / lower surface of the spacecraft and 2) the continuing aiming of the High-Gain antenna to the Earth with small efforts.
On the side panel, "SSM", a kind of mirror, is fully stuck in order to reflect the much intence sun light.
SSM reflects the optical light and emitts the infrared light, so that the temperature inside the spacecraft is kept near 'the room temperature'. (Normal operation of an electric device is not guaranteed at high temperature.)
Info is from the Jaxa webpage.
BepiColumbo
1 posted on
10/20/2018 5:14:40 AM PDT by
csvset
To: csvset
2 posted on
10/20/2018 5:24:29 AM PDT by
BenLurkin
(The above is not a statement of fact. It is either satire or opinion. Or both.)
To: csvset
Mission approved in 2000.
RFP issued in 2004.
Prime contractor selected in 2007.
Original launch target date July 2014.
Actual launch 20 October 2018
I suspect this spacecraft has some seriously outdated technology on board. Hope the component rot doesn't impact reliability. Some people have probably spent their entire careers on this one mission.
3 posted on
10/20/2018 5:31:40 AM PDT by
InABunkerUnderSF
(Justice Brett Kavnaugh... I like the sound of that.)
To: csvset
Hopefully it will haul back enough mercury to fill as many thermometers as we need.
To: csvset
Jaxa has a paper model page on the website.
here
5 posted on
10/20/2018 5:51:04 AM PDT by
csvset
(illegitimi non carborundum)
To: csvset
... seven-year journey to Mercury to probe the solar system’s smallest and least-explored planet ... Accurate only to the extent that you agree with the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassification of Pluto as a 'dwarf planet'.
6 posted on
10/20/2018 6:08:55 AM PDT by
SES1066
(Happiness is a depressed Washington, DC housing market!)
To: csvset
I think there is much to be discovered of significance about Mercury.
9 posted on
10/20/2018 7:23:20 AM PDT by
daniel1212
(Trust the risen Lord Jesus to save you as a damned and destitute sinner + be baptized + follow Him)
To: csvset
"Now, let me get this straight. Some Japs are going to strap me into a rocket and shoot me out into space???"
10 posted on
10/20/2018 8:44:28 AM PDT by
OrangeHoof
(CNN - the most busted name in news.)
To: csvset
I guarantee that whatever was launched is now at the bottom of the ocean.
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson