Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS)
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TL: Dr. Robert H. Brown
VIMS Team Leader:
TL: Dr. Robert H. Brown
Department of Planetary Sciences
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721
USA
VIMS General Description:
The Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) is a pair of imaging grating
spectrometers designed to measure reflected and emitted radiation from atmospheres, rings,
and surfaces over wavelengths from 0.35 to 5.1 micrometers to determine their
compositions, temperatures, and structures.
VIMS Scientific Objectives:
- To map the temporal behavior of winds, eddies, and other features on Saturn/Titan.
- To study the composition and distribution of atmospheric and cloud species on S/T.
- To determine the composition and distribution of the icy satellite surface materials.
- To determine temperatures, internal structure, and rotation of Saturn's deep atmosphere.
- To study the structure and composition of Saturn's rings.
- To search for lightning on Saturn and Titan and for active volcanism on Titan.
- To observe Titan's surface.
VIMS Sensing Instruments:
- Visible Channel [VIMS-V] (0.35 to 1.07 µm [96 channels]; 32x32 mrad field of view)
- Infrared Channel [VIMS-IR] (0.85 to 5.1 µm [256 channels]; 32x32 mrad field of view)
VIMS Instrument Characteristics:
- Mass (current best estimate) = 37.14 kg
- Peak Operating Power (current best estimate) = 27.20 W
- Average Operating Power (current best estimate) = 21.83 W
- Peak Data Rate (current best estimate) = 182.784 kilobits/sec
- Dimensions (approximate) = 78 cm x 76 cm x 55 cm
