From Planetary Exploration and Space Mission to Scientific Opportunities for Measurement
Stefano Debei
University of Padua
Stefano Debei
University of Padova, Italy
Centre of Studies and Activities for Space CISAS "G.Colombo"
ABSTRACT
Planetary exploration and space missions represent a multi and interdisciplinary environment in which the role of Measurement and Metrology is fundamental to guarantee the full characterization and scientific performance of the S / C and instrumentation for all stages of development.
Even during the feasibility studies of space instruments, mathematical models, prototypes, breadboards are necessary to test not only the concept but also compliance with the highest level requirements, thanks to an original and sophisticated instrumental set-up specially designed and calibrated.
Throughout the development of the project and finalized the process that leads to the creation and qualification of the instruments, a complete test campaign is conducted to prove not only the reliability but, in particular, the actual metrological performance.
To do this, the instruments are tested on facilities that reproduce the space environment, in terms of absolute pressure, extreme temperatures, high heat flows, vibration environment and all the relevant parameters. In many cases the facilities are specially developed and their complexity is sometimes greater than the development of the space instrument itself. The talk aims to highlight the scientific opportunities offered by space programs to the scientific community that deals with metrology and measurements.
