Periodic Reporting for period 3 - PIONEERS (Planetary Instruments based on Optical technologies for an iNnovative European Exploration Using Rotational Seismology)
Reporting period: 2021-07-01 to 2022-12-31
Internal structure of planetary bodies is poorly known. We want to image their interiors in order to understand the formation of solar systems and how planets become habitable, and to help protecting Earth from asteroid threat.
To that aim, we develop two innovative 6 degrees of freedom (6 DoF, with 3 translations and 3 rotations) instruments, based on optical interferometry, for measuring ground deformation of planetary objects. The first instrument is a prototype of very low noise 6 DoF sensor dedicated to internal structure imaging of terrestrial planets. The second one is a space qualified compact version of the same instrument concept for exploration of small bodies.
To that aim, we develop two innovative 6 degrees of freedom (6 DoF, with 3 translations and 3 rotations) instruments, based on optical interferometry, for measuring ground deformation of planetary objects. The first instrument is a prototype of very low noise 6 DoF sensor dedicated to internal structure imaging of terrestrial planets. The second one is a space qualified compact version of the same instrument concept for exploration of small bodies.
WP1
The science requirements of the instruments have been defined.
Partners developed and implemented novel 6DoF processing methods.
Laboratory and terrestrial field studies are still ongoing, and an active seismic experiment with O(30) rotation sensors and O(100) classic seismometers (or accelerometers) was carried out in the Geophysical Observatory Fürstenfeldbruck. The data has been made available to all participants via a FDSN data base structure and is currently analysed.
The methodology for a set of performance tests with respect to self-noise and timing stability has been defined.
Partners provided scientific advances on rotations and tides for rotational motion sensors, accelerometers and 6DoF sensors in planetary science and space astrophysics.
WP2
The tests performed validated some key hypothesis : damping in pivot, spring model, optical readout performance budget with a FOG light source. Tests also revealed some issues : thermoelastic of the interferometer, parasitic interference. Iteration on the design based on those results has been done.
The detailed design of the sensors has been pursued, tests of subsystem to validate hypothesis have been done and a detailed analysis was carried out. The iteration on the design has been performed. Based on this work, the built and integration of the prototype is ready and will be conducted in 2023.
WP3
CDR of the compact instrument was done and tests of the final models of the sensors and their associated electronic boards were done and validated and delivered for integration.
QM FOG sensors and electronics has been delivered.
The design and manufacturing of the accelerometer unit electronic boards and the interface unit electronic boards are in progress.
The development of the accelerometer unit FPGA firmware and the testing equipment for the APB, AAB, PIB and DIB are in progress.
WP4
Discussions initiated by CNES with IPGP and iXblue, as part of a larger R&D project aiming at improving the TRL of the optical VBB seismometer. This project is funded by CNES and it will continue the development of the optical VBB after the end of PIONEERS.
An important research program is ongoing, to understand why the performance of the Large FOG developed in WP2 are not at the expected level.
The compact model sensors have been delivered by iXblue to ISAE: the first 6 accelerometers dedicated to the project and the FOG sensors, mechanics and electronics.
A test facility for testing the optical VBB (High Performance Translation sensors) has been identified in Liege associated to the development of VIRGO gravitational wave detector, and a collaboration was started with this team.
Seismic performance test are foreseen for the compact instrument at ISAE-SUPAERO with higher performance reference sensors.
The instrument level qualification test plan was presented during the AITRR in January 2023. The firmware part (FPGA codes for control, safety and buses) is currently being developed and should be integrated into the instrument integration test-bench
WP5
The project management is on-going with regular virtual and in-person meetings.
WP6
The dissemination activities are on-going, with large audience papers and a movie produced. The cost and development plan analysis will be produced in 2023.
The science requirements of the instruments have been defined.
Partners developed and implemented novel 6DoF processing methods.
Laboratory and terrestrial field studies are still ongoing, and an active seismic experiment with O(30) rotation sensors and O(100) classic seismometers (or accelerometers) was carried out in the Geophysical Observatory Fürstenfeldbruck. The data has been made available to all participants via a FDSN data base structure and is currently analysed.
The methodology for a set of performance tests with respect to self-noise and timing stability has been defined.
Partners provided scientific advances on rotations and tides for rotational motion sensors, accelerometers and 6DoF sensors in planetary science and space astrophysics.
WP2
The tests performed validated some key hypothesis : damping in pivot, spring model, optical readout performance budget with a FOG light source. Tests also revealed some issues : thermoelastic of the interferometer, parasitic interference. Iteration on the design based on those results has been done.
The detailed design of the sensors has been pursued, tests of subsystem to validate hypothesis have been done and a detailed analysis was carried out. The iteration on the design has been performed. Based on this work, the built and integration of the prototype is ready and will be conducted in 2023.
WP3
CDR of the compact instrument was done and tests of the final models of the sensors and their associated electronic boards were done and validated and delivered for integration.
QM FOG sensors and electronics has been delivered.
The design and manufacturing of the accelerometer unit electronic boards and the interface unit electronic boards are in progress.
The development of the accelerometer unit FPGA firmware and the testing equipment for the APB, AAB, PIB and DIB are in progress.
WP4
Discussions initiated by CNES with IPGP and iXblue, as part of a larger R&D project aiming at improving the TRL of the optical VBB seismometer. This project is funded by CNES and it will continue the development of the optical VBB after the end of PIONEERS.
An important research program is ongoing, to understand why the performance of the Large FOG developed in WP2 are not at the expected level.
The compact model sensors have been delivered by iXblue to ISAE: the first 6 accelerometers dedicated to the project and the FOG sensors, mechanics and electronics.
A test facility for testing the optical VBB (High Performance Translation sensors) has been identified in Liege associated to the development of VIRGO gravitational wave detector, and a collaboration was started with this team.
Seismic performance test are foreseen for the compact instrument at ISAE-SUPAERO with higher performance reference sensors.
The instrument level qualification test plan was presented during the AITRR in January 2023. The firmware part (FPGA codes for control, safety and buses) is currently being developed and should be integrated into the instrument integration test-bench
WP5
The project management is on-going with regular virtual and in-person meetings.
WP6
The dissemination activities are on-going, with large audience papers and a movie produced. The cost and development plan analysis will be produced in 2023.
An improvement of instrument noise of two orders of magnitude is expected for the planetary prototype by using optical sensing technologies, opening avenue for better scientific returns on the interior of many celestial bodies. At the end of the project, the flight model of compact instrument will be able to target a space mission in direction of an asteroid.
Both instruments will open new markets for terrestrial, space and planetary applications.
Beyond the science aspects related to the understanding of planetary systems and their evolution (or not) into habitable environment, the asteroid internal structure imaging is participating to the planetary defence effort.
The project also funds, trains and benefit from young research and engineer professionals, involved in high quality research and industrial teams across Europe.
Both instruments will open new markets for terrestrial, space and planetary applications.
Beyond the science aspects related to the understanding of planetary systems and their evolution (or not) into habitable environment, the asteroid internal structure imaging is participating to the planetary defence effort.
The project also funds, trains and benefit from young research and engineer professionals, involved in high quality research and industrial teams across Europe.