Developments and Technology Trends in the Space-Borne Instrumentation

Dear Colleagues,

This Universe volume covers original research on the developments in space-borne instrumentation designed for in situ chemical analysis of planetary surfaces and atmospheres. Advances in space exploration have placed increased demands on the performance of current space instrumentation which would allow for detailed analyses of the isotope composition, context chemical composition or detection of organic and bioorganic compounds within the planetary surface and/or their atmosphere (exosphere). Such data can offer possibilities for in-depth analyses of geological transformation and are important in searches for extinct or extant life on other planets. Furthermore, new instruments for chemical analysis are being developed with new technology and fabrication techniques which can be applied on a lander, rover or from an orbiting spacecraft.

The aim of the current Special Issue is to provide researchers with the opportunity to publish their up to date research, development, ideas and results in a field-specific volume. We are inviting contributions that cover conceptual designs and performance studies of space-relevant instruments, such as those applied so far in the investigation of the Moon, Mercury, Mars and small planetary bodies; however, we would also like contributions which cover new technology, such as instruments developed for icy worlds or Venusian atmospheres. Research groups involved both in the development and/or implementation of satellite instruments and in the analysis of measurements obtained from missions already operational in planetary studies are particularly encouraged to contribute to this Special Issue.

Dr. Marek Tulej
Dr. Ezio Caroli
Guest Editors

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