The BepiColombo Laser Altimeter
N. Thomas, Hauke Hußmann, Tilman Spohn, L. M. Lara, Ulrich Christensen, Michael Affolter, T. Bandy, T. Beck, S. Chakraborty, U. Geissbuehler, M. Gerber, K. Ghose, J. Gouman, Alireza HosseiniArani, K. Kuske, Alain Péteut, D. Piazza, M. Rieder, A. Servonet, C. Althaus, Thomas Behnke, K. Gwinner, Christian Hüttig, R. Kallenbach, A. Lichopoj, Kay Lingenauber, Horst-Georg Lötzke, Fabian Lüdicke, H. Michaelis, J. Oberst, R. Schrödter, Alexander Stark, Gregor Steinbrügge, Simone Del Togno, Kai Wickhusen, J. M. Castro, M. Herranz, J. Rodrigo, H. Perplies, Thomas Weigel, Stefan Schulze-Walewski, Steffen Blum, A. Casciello, E. Rugi-Grond, W. Coppoolse, Markus Rech, Kai Weidlich, Thomas Leikert, R. Henkelmann, Boris Trefzger, Bodo Metz
Abstract
Abstract The BepiColombo Laser Altimeter (BELA) is the first European laser altimeter constructed for interplanetary flight. BELA uses a 50 mJ pulsed Nd:YAG laser operating at 10 Hz with a 20 cm aperture receiver to perform the ranging. The instrument also uses a digital approach for range detection and pulse analysis. The ranging accuracy is expected to be better than 2 metres and ∼20 cm in optimum conditions. With the given, only slightly elliptical, orbit, BELA should return a consistent data set for the most if not all of the planet. The instrument is required to function in an extreme environment with the thermal issues being particularly demanding. Novel solutions have been taken to resolve these issues. BELA is described in detail and its predicted performance outlined on the basis of pre-flight testing.