OSIRIS The Scientific Camera System Onboard Rosetta
Jorda, L.; Llebaria, A.; Lara, L. M.; Bertaux, J. -L.; Lamy, P.; Sierks, H.; Fulle, M.; Kührt, E.; Keller, H. U.; Barbieri, C.; Rodrigo, R.; Koschny, D.; Rickman, H.; A'Hearn, M. F.; Barucci, M. A.; Büttner, I.; Cremonese, G.; Debei, S.; Fornasier, S.; Hviid, S. F.; Ip, W. -H.; Kramm, J. R.; Küppers, M.; Naletto, G.; Thomas, N.; Curdt, W.; Burns, J. A.; Ragazzoni, R.; Germerott, D.; Wenzel, K. -P.; Angrilli, F.; Michalik, H.; Sabau, L.; Gliem, F.; Reiche, K. -U.; Meller, R.; Müller, R.; Bianchini, G.; Dohlen, K.; Origné, A.; Rousset, G.; Castro, J. M.; Rodríguez, J.; Telljohann, U.; Reina, M.; Sivan, J. -P.; Guizzo, G. P.; López, A.; Angulo, M.; Bailey, M. E.; Barthol, P.; Boit, J. -L.; Brown, V.; Deppo, V. Da; Cecco, M. De; López-Jimenez, A.; López-Moreno, J.; Michelena, M. D.; Parzianello, G.; Pertile, M.; Quintana, C.; Ramous, P.; Sanz, A.; Stöckner, K.; Tabero, J.; Timon, V.; Tomasch, G.; Wittrock, T.; Zaccariotto, M.
Germany, Italy, France, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, United States, United Kingdom, Taiwan, Switzerland
Abstract
The Optical, Spectroscopic, and Infrared Remote Imaging System OSIRIS is the scientific camera system onboard the Rosetta spacecraft (Figure 1). The advanced high performance imaging system will be pivotal for the success of the Rosetta mission. OSIRIS will detect 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko from a distance of more than 106 km, characterise the comet shape and volume, its rotational state and find a suitable landing spot for Philae, the Rosetta lander. OSIRIS will observe the nucleus, its activity and surroundings down to a scale of ~2 cm px−1. The observations will begin well before the onset of cometary activity and will extend over months until the comet reaches perihelion. During the rendezvous episode of the Rosetta mission, OSIRIS will provide key information about the nature of cometary nuclei and reveal the physics of cometary activity that leads to the gas and dust coma.