Scientific Instruments
Magna Parva work closely with Scientific research organisations, mechanically designing and developing their instrument with a flexibility that enables maximum scientific return:
Bepicolombo Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer (MIXS) Mirror Optics ModulesThe Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer (MIXS) will perform X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of the surface of Mercury. Looking at the X-rays that are emitted from Mercury when it is illuminated by the Sun allows the elemental composition of the planet to be determined, allowing us to address the key science issues of the origin, evolution and current nature of the planet.
In order to achieve its science objectives, MIXS consists of two channels - the MIXS-C, a collimator providing efficient flux collection over a broad range of energies with a wide field of view for planetary mapping and the MIXS-T, an imaging telescope with a narrow field for high resolution measurements of the surface.
X-rays cannot be focussed by conventional means, as they readily pass through most materials. Conventional space X-ray telescopes have used heavy mirror shells (often with a mass of several 10s of kgs). A far lighter way of creating an X-ray mirror is to use Micro Channel Plates (MCPs).
We are assisting the Space Research centre at the University of Leicester to develop an optics structure to ensure that these delicate MCPs remain precisely aligned and not overstressed in the harsh environment that they will encounter on the mission.
Life Marker Chip
The Life Marker Chip instrument is intended to form part of the Aurora Exomars mission and is a collaborative instrument led by the University of Leicester. The required function is to process - on Mars - samples extracted from the planet's surface, and to analyse these for evidence of life forming material.
The instrument is being designed and built to detect the presence of biomarkers - i.e. organic compounds indicative of extinct or extant life - for use on a future mission to Mars. The Company and the University are collaborating on the design and build of this novel device that will identify individual organic compounds. In order to perform the analysis the Martian samples need to be prepared. Traditionally this process is performed in a laboratory using multiple devices and stages. This requirement has driven the design of an innovative Sample Processing System that receives a raw sample and prepares it for analysis in an all-in-one integrated manner. The design has also to take into account both the extreme operating conditions and payload constraints that impose very severe limits on the size and weight of the system. The product process includes seven individual integrated steps from raw sample preparation through to the analysis of the prepared solution.
These steps are:
- Sealing/Inlet system - Solvent 1 introduction - De-salting process - Agitation process - Solvent 2 introduction - Sample concentration / reduction - Solution ejectionThe whole process takes twenty minutes from sample to output. The system is in effect an integrated "chemistry laboratory in a box".
As might be expected, detecting evidence of life on other planets requires cutting edge science and engineering. Collaboration between partners on this project was essential to combine the latest space science with excellence in design and mechanical engineering.
A combination of an informal relationship structure and proven project management processes ensured maximum potential for innovation, good communication and an efficient use of limited resources.