NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO)
2006 - 2007
Project overview
The Diviner experiment is a nine channel infrared filter radiometer designed for payload inclusion on the JPL Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission due to be launched in 2008. Its mission is to investigate the thermal radiation, mineralogical composition and structure of the lunar environment with a view to enabling future human exploration. The Diviner instrument will measure lunar surface temperatures, solar reflectance, and spectral emission by limb and nadir mapping to identify possible locations of ice formation. It will map mineralogical rock compositions and lunar soil (regolith) using spectral locations of infrared emission maxima in three narrow-band filter channels (7.8, 8.25 and 8.5µm). Following earlier success of the NASA Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) design deployed on the 2005 Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, Diviner utilizes a similar linear, 21-element, uncooled thermopile detector array at the focal detector plane. As thermopiles are sensitive to a broad range of radiant energy, from ultraviolet through to the thermal infrared regions, interference rejection and materials absorption are of paramount importance to the spectral design. The instrument is constructed with two identical co-boresighted telescopes, one for mid-infrared mineralogy and thermal observations, designated 'A' (8-25µm), the other for thermal sensing at far infrared wavelengths, 'B' (25-200µm) using mesh filters supported by dielectric layers.
The Diviner experiment is a joint US-UK development project between the JPL, California Institute of Technology and Oxford University Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics. The University of Reading are responsible for the spectral design and fabrication of the mid-infrared focal plane interference filters.
Delivered hardware
Description | Filter Type | Quantity | Wavelength Region | Substrate Material | Dimensions |
Mid-IR Filters | Narrow bandpass filters | 4 channels | 7.5 - 25.0 µm | Germanium (Ge), Zinc Sulphide (ZnS) | 9.00 mm L x 0.94 mm W x 0.40 mm T |
LWP Filters | Longwave-pass edge filters | 1 channel | 8.0 - 50.0 µm | Silicon (Si) | 10.5 mm L x 3.85 mm W x 0.30 mm T |
Partners
Publications
- G J Hawkins, R E Sherwood, B M Barrett, S J Wakeham : " Mid-Infrared Filters for the Diviner Radiometer Experiment on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (7-40µm)", Proc. OSA Technical Digest Optical Interference Coatings, TuDPDP1, ISBN: 1-55752-841-1 (2007)
Media
NASA LRO's Diviner Takes the Moon's Temperature During Dec. 10, 2011 Eclipse
The Diviner Mission (DIVINER Lunar Radiometer Experiment)
A View From The Other Side
Further information
Related news
- Moon's water is useful resource, says Nasa - October 22, 2010
- Lunar mission sheds light on early solar system - September 21, 2010
- The Moon Makes a Splash - January 4, 2010
- Moon Craters Could Be Coldest Place in Solar System - September 18, 2009
- NASA finds signs of water on the moon - September 18, 2009
- Ground control to University of Reading - June 22, 2009
- Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter includes Moon surveyor tool - June 18, 2009
- Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter: Searching For A 'New Moon' - February 8, 2006
Related links
Contact us
- Email:
irfilters@reading.ac.uk - Telephone:
+44 (0) 118 378 8224