The scientific equipment designed for the study of the Red Planet during the ExoMars 2020 mission is being tested. It consists of an optical instrument FAST Fourier Spectrometer, which is scheduled to be launched on the landing platform of the spacecraft ExoMars 2020. It is designed to study the atmosphere of the planet, comprising the registration of its components, including methane, as well as to monitor temperature and aerosols, to study the mineralogical composition of the surface.
Information on the methane content in the Martian atmosphere will provide an answer to the question about the possibility of the existence of living organisms on this planet. In the Earth conditions this gas is produced, by microbes as well. It is established that the concentration of methane in the atmosphere of Mars varies from time to time, but the cause of these fluctuations is unknown. FAST Fourier Spectrometer, designed to analyze the content of substances in the gas sample, will help to understand this issue. But the device itself needs vibration protection. To provide it, the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences has applied to Samara University.
The required high dynamic stability of the FAST Fourier Spectrometer will be provided by vibration isolators made of MR (metal rubber) material. This damping material was developed by the scientists of Samara University and is being produced in the laboratories of the university. It possesses useful properties of rubber and is extremely resistant to aggressive environments, radiation, high and low temperatures and intense dynamic loads typical for outer space.
The secret of the MR material is a special technology of weaving and pressing spiral metal threads of different diameters. Due to the successful combination of rare properties, vibration isolators of the MR are capable of leveling the destructive impact of extreme vibration and shock loads on the onboard equipment that accompany the launch of the spacecraft and its placing in orbit.
“If we compare the MR material with rubber vibration isolators, it is obvious that the rubber does not just lose to the metal rubber, it cannot be used for these purposes at all, because in open space the temperature varies widely, up to absolute zero. At this temperature the rubber becomes brittle, but not the MR, its properties do not change. In addition, rubber has other disadvantages, among which is ozone aging. Solar radiation, ozone destroy it, – explains Chief Engineer of the Aeronautical Products Vibration Strength and Reliability Industrial Research Laboratory of Samara University Fedor Parovay. – Due to the all-metal structure, the products made of MR material can easily withstand temperatures up to 270 ° C below zero. In addition, they have high resource indicators, since the processes of destruction develop relatively slowly in them”. Another advantage of the metal analogue of rubber is that its damping properties are enhanced when the compressed helix threads are broken inside the vibration isolator.
This is the second experience of Samara University and the Space Research Institute of the RAS cooperation within the missions to study Mars. “Within the first stage of the ExoMars-2016 mission, it was necessary to provide vibration protection for the TIRVIM Fourier Spectrometer. All-metal construction without polymeric materials is necessary for such devices. Metal rubber is ideal for these purposes. Therefore, colleagues from the Space Research Institute applied to us, – says Fedor Parovay. The experience of cooperation with the Space Research Institute of the RAS has been about 15 years. During this time we have created 8 vibration isolation systems for various types of devices”.
Currently, the FAST Fourier Spectrometer is being assembled and tested. After this stage, the system of vibration protection may need refining. However, the previous batch of MR vibration isolators for the TIRVIM device fully met all the requirements of the Space Research Institute of the RAS and was installed on a spacecraft without modifications.
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Dynamic and vibro-acoustic processes accompany the work of any machine: from computer equipment to airplanes and spacecrafts. Even the smallest fluctuations affect the quality and reliability of how the individual units, as well as the entire device, work. The use of acoustic and vibration protection systems cannot only extend the life of complex and expensive equipment by several times, but also make its use more convenient and comfortable for people.
Samara (Kuibyshev) school on dynamics and vibroacoustics is one of the most authoritative scientific and practical schools in the world. Its foundations were laid over half a century ago and the theme of the dynamics and vibro-acoustics of machines in the activities of KuAI-SSAU-Samara National Research University has a special place.
Developments of Samara University scientists have been widely used to create advanced samples of domestic aviation and rocket and space technology and engines for them, as well as other high-tech products.
The second stage of the ExoMars 2020 project is a joint mission of the Roscosmos State Space Corporation and the European Space Agency to study Mars. In 2020 it is planned to launch the ExoMars 2020 spacecraft using the “Proton-M” launch vehicle and the “Briz-M” upper stage. The ExoMars 2020 mission is implemented in close cooperation with the ESA and the parent company from the European side – the Italian division of ThalesAleniaSpace. “ExoMars 2020” Spacecraft includes a landing module with a landing platform developed by the Russian side, a flight module and a European-made rover. The scientific equipment will be located both on board the European rover and on board the Russian landing platform.
Fourier Spectrometer is an optical instrument used for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the substances content in a gas sample. Each gas has its own absorption spectrum of radiation passing through it. The amount of absorption depends on the gas concentration.