Infrared Mapper (IRMA) for Support of Comet Sample Return Missions

Kurzfassung

Comets are remnants from the formation of the Solar System, and contain the most pristine material available today for deciphering the physical and chemical conditions of this process. As such, they are very interesting candidates for sample return missions, as indicated for example by the recent mission proposals CAESAR, CONDOR, and CORSAIR to the NASA New Frontiers 4 call. For maximizing the science return from such a mission the optimum selection of sampling site(s) is crucial. To support this selection we propose a remote sensing instrument working in the thermal infrared (TIR) wavelength range.