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
Magna Parva is assisting the Space Research Centre of the University of Leicester with the design and packaging of the Life Marker Chip (LMC) experiment.