MIXS and SIXS measurement instruments continue their journey towards Mercury

MIXS – Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer – is compiled of two X-ray cameras with different definitions. In addition, MIXS explores the dynamic interactions between the space environment and the surface of the planet and exosphere.

SIXS – Solar Intensity X-ray and Particle Spectrometer - includes two instruments. Since the launch, SIXS has measured, e.g., background X-ray radiation in the space and X-ray radiation originating from the Sun, which at the time of measurements in 2019 was very weak.

FMI researches have been responsible for product assurance and project management for SIXS.

Lisätietoja:

Group leader Maria Genzer, tel. 029 539 4724, maria.genzer@fmi.fi

Huovelin, J., Vainio, R., Kilpua, E. et al. Solar Intensity X-Ray and Particle Spectrometer SIXS: Instrument Design and First Results. Space Sci Rev 216, 94 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-020-00717-3

Bunce, E.J., Martindale, A., Lindsay, S. et al. The BepiColombo Mercury Imaging X-Ray Spectrometer: Science Goals, Instrument Performance and Operations. Space Sci Rev 216, 126 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-020-00750-2