Iris Supports Europa Clipper’s Spectrometry and Chemical Analysis Instruments with Customized Designs
Launched on October 14, 2024, NASA’s Europa Clipper is the first mission designed to conduct a detailed study of Jupiter's moon Europa to determine if its enormous subsurface ocean may have suitable conditions to support life. It’s nine science instruments are the most advanced and sensitive that have ever explored the outer solar system.
One of the instruments flying with Europa Clipper is the MISE (Mapping Imaging Spectrometer for Europa). MISE was designed specifically to help determine if Jupiter’s ice-covered moon is habitable.
MISE will analyze infrared light reflected from Europa and map its surface composition in detail, including the distribution of ices, salts, organics, and the warmest hotspots on Europa.
In collaboration with the Europa Clipper spacecraft’s other instruments, infrared maps from MISE will help scientists understand the geological history of Europa. This is one of the key findings that scientists will use to help determine if Europa’s suspected ocean is suitable for life.
Another instrument that will be used to gain crucial answers from gases near Europa, such as the chemistry of Europa’s surface, atmosphere, and suspected ocean is MASPEX (MAss Spectrometer for Planetary EXploration/Europa). MASPEX will study how Jupiter's radiation alters Europa's surface compounds, how the surface and ocean exchange material, and will identify those molecules with unparalleled precision.
For the MISE project, we support a Lockheed Martin micro cooler to regulate the temperature of the infrared sensor. Similarly, for the MASPEX instrument, we utilize a Ricor K508 cooler to maintain the cold trap, storing samples for analysis when the spacecraft reaches more favorable environmental conditions on the far side of the orbit.
Iris Technology played a critical role in both missions by collaborating closely with JPL (for MISE) and SwRI (for MASPEX) to develop specialized solutions and flight cryocooler electronics tailored to the mission's unique needs. Our designs were engineered to endure the extreme conditions of Europa and the long journey to Jupiter.
While both controllers were built on existing Iris designs, significant customization was implemented to meet the specific performance and environmental demands of both the MISE and MASPEX instruments.