On-Ground Performance and Calibration of the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter CaSSIS Imager
Cremonese, G.; Da Deppo, V.; Thomas, N.; Pommerol, A.; Szalai, S.; Johnson, M.; Roloff, V.; Gambicorti, L.; Servonet, A.; Brändli, M.; Casciello, A.; Erismann, M.; Ficai Veltroni, I.; Gerber, M.; Gruber, M.; Gubler, P.; Hausner, T.; Lochmatter, P.; Pelò, E.; Sodor, B.; Troznai, G.; Vernani, D.; Weigel, T.; Ziethe, R.; Zimmermann, C.
Switzerland, Netherlands, Italy, Hungary
Abstract
The European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) seeks to investigate the biological or geological origin of trace gases found on Mars. The TGO carries a payload of four instruments in order to reach its scientific goals, including the Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS). CaSSIS is a colour and stereo telescopic camera that will be capable of taking high-resolution images of the martian surface. Before shipment of the instrument for integration onto the TGO, a detailed calibration campaign was performed, and a number of calibration products were gathered and utilised as part of the in-flight calibration campaign. This paper presents the results of on-ground calibration measurements carried out in order to assess the pre-flight performance of CaSSIS. All indications are that CaSSIS will perform very well on arrival at Mars and will be successful in reaching its scientific objectives.