The LISA Pathfinder mission goal is to test the technology in space required for the detection of low-frequency gravitational waves, predicted by Einstein in his General Theory of Relativity. It will put two test masses in a near-perfect gravitational free-fall, and control and measure their motion with unprecedented accuracy. To do this, it will use inertial sensors, a laser metrology system, a drag-free control system and an ultra-precise micro-propulsion system.
Thales Alenia Space provided the Telemetry, Tracking
and Command (TT&C) X-band transponder, one of the key spacecraft units that
will act as the unique interface between the satellite and the ground segment.
It receives commands from the ground segment and transmits spacecraft
telemetries, instrument information and ranging signals.
Thales Alenia Space has also provided the Power
Specific Check-Out Equipment hardware and
software, simulating the solar panels and the batteries, and dedicated to test
the spacecraft’s power sub-system during assembly, integration and validation phases.
Thales Alenia
Space has more than 30 years’ experience in scientific instrumentation for
European missions. The company also has an extensive expertise in the field of
command and telemetry units in the S, X and Ka bands, successfully proven in
European space exploration missions. The LISA Pathfinder
transponder, like all the TT&C equipment developed in recent years by
Thales Alenia Space for the most famous journeys through the Universe, is
designed around a digital platform, the same one used in the Gaia, Juno, JWST
and AMOS 4 and 6 programs, followed then by the new generation, including those
for the BepiColombo, ExoMars 2016 and 2018, Solar Orbiter and Euclid missions.
About Thales Alenia Space
Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and
Finmeccanica (33%), is a key European player in space telecommunications,
navigation, Earth observation, exploration and orbital infrastructures. Thales
Alenia Space and Telespazio form the two parent companies' “Space Alliance”,
which offers a complete range of services and solutions. Because of its
unrivaled expertise in dual (civil/military) missions, constellations, flexible
payloads, altimetry, meteorology and high-resolution optical and radar
instruments, Thales Alenia Space is the natural partner to countries that want
to expand their space program. The company posted consolidated revenues in
excess of 2 billion euros in 2014, and has 7,500 employees in eight countries. www.thalesaleniaspace.com
Post
Nessun commento:
Posta un commento