Scientific instruments studied by Galileo Avionica for Mars surface exploration

Abstract

Several missions for planetary explorations, including comets and asteroids, are planned by the space agencies: Rosetta (close to the launch date at the time of writing) Bepi Colombo, Mars Programme in all its past and next missions. The satisfaction of this scientific request calls for the development of some instruments and facilities devoted to investigating the body (planet, asteroid or comet) both remotely and by in situ measurements. The paper is an overview of some instruments for in-situ exploration already studied or under study by Galileo Avionica Space B.U. (in the following, shortened as Galileo) for both the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and for the European Space Agency (ESA).