The Giotto experiments

Abstract

Design and performance features of the scientific instruments carried on the Giotto spacecraft are described. The instruments were selected to meet the basic mission goals: characterize the elemental and isotopic composition of volatile components of the cometary coma and the physical processes and chemical reactions in the cometary atmosphere and ionosphere; determine the elemental and isotopic composition of the cometary dust particles; measure the total gas production rate, dust flux and size/mass distribution; investigate the local plasma environment; and, provide images of the comet nucleus. Details of the multicolor camera, neutral, ion and dust mass spectrometers, dust impact detector, plasma analysis systems, energetic particles analyzer, magnetometer, optical probe and radio science experiment are provided, along with brief summaries of data furnished by each.