Optimization of the Dust Sensor in the Mars MetNet Mission.Extension to in-situ CO_2 concentration and surface temperature measurements by infrared multispectral sensing

摘要

Martian atmosphere contains two main mechanisms leading the heat transfer process: CO_2 and suspended dust. The flight model (FM) of the current Dust Sensor (DS) of the Mars MetNet Mission has already been fabricated providing only with the ability for measuring the particle size distribution. The optimized DS proposed in this work includes two sub-instruments more for measuring both, CO_2 concentration and ground temperature. This DS will allow correlate the particle size distribution of the airborne dust, the CO_2 concentration and the ground temperature, in a specific location on the Martian surface. All of these parameters will be measured as an in-situ parameter, giving very valuable information about the Martian Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL). The scope of the Mars MetNet Mission is to deploy, in successive flights, several tens of mini atmospheric stations on the Martian surface. Infrared Lab in University Carlos Ⅲ (LIR-UC3M) is in charge of the design and development of the DS, a micro-sensor (mass <100 g and mean power <1W) which scope is the characterization of airborne dust and other parameters of interest in the heat transfer process. The DS detection principle is of MIE scattering wavelength dependence when particle size is similar to that., so the sensor is provided with spectral resolution,. The optimized DS incorporates angular dependence, so the data retrieval algorithm takes both spectral and angular information making the algorithm most robust. The incorporation of new parameters such as CO_2 and ground temperature is possible thanks to the addition of new sensor elements, properly spectrally tuned. As in the previous DS each parameter is also measured within the MWIR range and the spectral resolution is provided by a interference filter, specifically designed for.