November 29, 2005, Chelmsford, England--A CCD image sensor made by e2v was recently rocketed into space as part of the European Space Agency's new fact-finding mission to Venus. The "Venus Express" will study the chemistry and composition of Venus' hot, high-pressure atmosphere, relying on the e2v device to help it reach its destination. Data collected by the probe will provide unprecedented detail on the planet's surface and history.
The e2v CCD is a star-tracking device that is incorporated into the spacecraft's star-tracker camera--a vital component in the mission's guidance system. The CCD looks at the stars as it travels, referring to its built-in star map to determine its exact location. By knowing the spacecraft's current location, the imaging device can then communicate where it needs to move to next. This continual process of scanning, tracking, and feedback should enable the Venus Express to safely reach its destination, a journey scheduled to take approximately five months, and to pinpoint its specific research targets upon arrival. Responding to operational requirements in orbit, it will also enable the spacecraft to change orientation, accurately re-pointing the satellite in a new direction.
The 1000- x 1000-pixel frame-transfer, front-illuminated CCD from e2v has proven popular with missions of this type. This is the third in a series to be derived from the navigation camera that is currently guiding the ESA Rosetta spacecraft to its rendezvous with a comet. The second e2v sensor helped the ESA Mars Express to reach the Red Planet, which it has been orbiting for almost two years.
The company is also involved in the supply of similar CCDs to the Japanese space agency (JAXA) for another mission to Venus, known as "Planet-C," where the imaging device will be a key part of a scientific instrument rather than a part of the guidance system, notes David Morris, principal applications engineer at e2v.
Venus Express will undertake the most detailed survey of Venus' atmosphere to date. It will look into the atmosphere's chemical composition and dynamics, as well as its interactions with the planet's surface and wider environment. Analysis of the data collected is hoped to lead to a better understanding of the planet's surface and its history.
The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Venus in April 2006.