MINERVA Explores The Surface Of Itokawa

IRON AND ICE

Japan (SPX) Nov 04, 2005
MINERVA (MIcro/Nano Experimental Robot Vehicle for Asteroid) is a small robot lander whose weight is less than 600g. Although it is a tiny lander, MINERVA can investigate the surface of Itokawa using three small color CCD cameras.

These cameras are installed at 5 cm height from its bottom. Two of the cameras make up a stereo pair that is capable of looking at distance from 10 to 50 cm.

The pair can observe the detailed surface conditions at the landing area of MINERVA. A camera that can see further away is installed on the other side. It will observe more distant regions of the surface and can operate while hopping.

Using the onboard camera of HAYABUSA, the best image surface resolution of Itokawa was 30 m during the global mapping phase and will be 1 � 2 cm during the touchdown operation.

On the other hand, the cameras on MINERVA have a image resolution of less than 1 mm when they observe 10 cm distance objects and can observe minerals making up a rock. Moreover, MINERVA can investigate the size of regolith grains covering the surface of Itokawa.

Among pins attached to the top and the bottom of MINERVA, six are thermal sensors which measure the surface temperature of ITOAKAWA. From temperature variation data, we will be able to tell whether the surface of Itokawa is rich in sands or rocks.

IRON AND ICE

Current Status of Hayabusa And Events Scheduled In November

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Nov 01, 2005
Hayabusa that arrived at the target asteroid Itokawa on September 12th of this year has performed detailed scientific observation so far by varying its relative position around Itokawa.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.