Open AccessThermal and Electrical Conductivity Probe (TECP) for Phoenix
Author(s) -
Zent Aaron P.,
Hecht Michael H.,
Cobos Doug R.,
Campbell Gaylon S.,
Campbell Colin S.,
Cardell Greg,
Foote Marc C.,
Wood Stephen E.,
Mehta Manish
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: planets
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/2007je003052
Subject(s) - regolith , environmental science , instrumentation (computer programming) , water vapor , thermal conductivity , astrobiology , aerospace engineering , geophysics , remote sensing , materials science , geology , meteorology , physics , engineering , computer science , operating system , composite material
The Thermal and Electrical Conductivity Probe (TECP) is a component of the Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA) payload on the Phoenix Lander. TECP will measure the temperature, thermal conductivity, and volumetric heat capacity of the regolith. It will also detect and quantify the population of mobile H 2 O molecules in the regolith, if any, throughout the polar summer, by measuring the electrical conductivity of the regolith as well as the dielectric permittivity. In the vapor phase, TECP is capable of measuring the atmospheric H 2 O vapor abundance as well as augmenting the wind velocity measurements from the meteorology instrumentation. TECP is mounted near the end of the 2.3 m Robotic Arm and can be placed either in the regolith material or held aloft in the atmosphere. This paper describes the development and calibration of the TECP. In addition, substantial characterization of the instrument has been conducted to identify behavioral characteristics that might affect landed surface operations. The greatest potential issue identified in characterization tests is the extraordinary sensitivity of the TECP to placement. Small gaps alter the contact between the TECP and regolith, complicating data interpretation. Testing with the Phoenix Robotic Arm identified mitigation techniques that will be implemented during flight. A flight model of the instrument was also field tested in the Antarctic Dry Valleys during the 2007–2008 International Polar Year.