MicroMIMA, a miniaturized spectrometer for planetary observation

This work describes the design of a miniaturized Fourier Transform Spectrometer named “MicroMIMA” (micro Mars Infrared MApper), proposed for the lander module of the ESA mission “ExoMars 2016”. MicroMIMA scientific goal is the spectral characterization and monitoring of the Martian atmosphere, focusing on its composition, minor species abundances and their evolution during time. The instrument design constraints are quite challenging, i.e. limited mass, size and power budget, high excitation levels during launch and landing phases and a severe thermal environment with no available power for the instrument thermal control in non-operational condition. Finite element models have been developed to assess the instrument feasibility within the available resources. Final design provides for a 2 cm−1 spectral resolution in the spectral range between 2 and 5 μm, within an overall mass of 250 g, value that accounts for the interferometer and the proximity electronics. A laboratory mock-up of the interferometer has been manufactured to prove the instrument performances in ground conditions.