研究目的
To verify the performance and pointing stability of the BELA transmitter laser system under various environmental conditions to ensure it meets the demanding specifications for the BepiColombo mission to Mercury.
研究成果
The BELA FM transmitter meets all performance specifications with margins, demonstrating robustness against environmental stresses. It is expected to achieve scientific goals for topographic mapping of Mercury, with lessons learned improving design and testing for future missions.
研究不足
Testing was conducted on-ground, which may not fully replicate the extreme thermal and vacuum conditions of Mercury's orbit. Gravity effects were mitigated but not eliminated. The optical setup had inherent errors, such as from reference laser stability and alignment inaccuracies.
1:Experimental Design and Method Selection:
The transmitter, a diode-pumped pulsed Nd:YAG laser, was tested in thermal vacuum chambers and optical test benches to simulate space conditions. Methods included optical measurements of beam properties, thermal cycling, vibration testing, and functional checks.
2:Sample Selection and Data Sources:
Engineering Qualification Model (EQM) and Flight Model (FM) transmitters were used. Data came from internal housekeeping sensors and external optical measurements.
3:List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:
Thermal vacuum chambers, optical test benches, off-axis parabolic mirrors, CCD cameras, energy detectors, oscilloscopes, reference lasers, and various filters (e.g., Schott KG and NG glasses).
4:Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:
Units were integrated in cleanrooms, subjected to thermal cycles (from -53°C to +73°C for EQM and -48°C to +68°C for FM), vibration tests, and optical performance measurements. Beam pointing, energy, wavelength, pulse profile, and divergence were measured.
5:Data Analysis Methods:
Data were analyzed using software like Ophir BeamGage and LabView for beam analysis, with statistical methods to assess stability and performance against specifications.
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