 | |
| Operator | NASA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | University of Colorado Boulder |
| Instrument type | Time-of-flight mass spectrometer |
| Function | Mapping surface composition |
| Mission duration | Cruise: 3-6 years Science phase: ≥ 3 years |
| Properties | |
| Mass | 5 kg (11 lb) |
| Dimensions | 26.8 × 25.0 × 17.1 cm3 |
| Host spacecraft | |
| Spacecraft | Europa Clipper |
| Operator | NASA |
| Launch date | October 14, 2024, 16:06:00 UTC (12:06 p.m. EDT) |
| Rocket | Falcon Heavy |
| Launch site | Kennedy Space Center |
The SUrface Dust Analyser (SUDA) is a time-of-flight mass spectrometer of reflectron-type that employs impact ionization and is optimised for a high mass resolution.[1][2] The instrument was selected in May 2015 to fly on board the Europa Clipper mission which was sent to Jupiter's moon Europa in October, 2024.[3]
This instrument will measure the composition of small, solid particles ejected from Europa, providing the opportunity to directly sample the surface and potential plumes on low-altitude flybys. Europa's internal liquid water ocean has been identified as one of the locations in the Solar System that may offer habitable environments to microbial extraterrestrial life.[4][5][6]
- ^ SUrface Dust Mass Analyzer (SUDA) selected for Europa mission. Sascha Kempf, Phys Org. May 27, 2015.
- ^ SUDA: A Dust Mass Spectrometer for Compositional Surface Mapping for a Mission to Europa (PDF). S. Kempf, N. Altobelli, C. Briois, E. Grün, M. Horanyi, F. Postberg, J. Schmidt, R. Srama, Z. Sternovsky, G. Tobie, and M. Zolotov. EPSC Abstracts Vol. 9, EPSC2014-229, 2014. European Planetary Science Congress 2014.
- ^ "NASA's Europa Clipper Mission". blogs.nasa.gov. 2024-10-14. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ Dreier, Casey (12 December 2013). "Europa: No Longer a "Should," But a "Must"". The Planetary Society.
- ^ Schulze-Makuch, Dirk; Irwin, Louis N. (2001). "Alternative Energy Sources Could Support Life on Europa" (PDF). Departments of Geological and Biological Sciences. University of Texas at El Paso. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-07-03.
- ^ Zabarenko, Deborah (7 March 2011). "Lean U.S. missions to Mars, Jupiter moon recommended". Reuters.