Following on from the story below (2 July) CEPSAR researcher Dr Simon Sheridan is eagerly awaiting the return of his mass spectrometer following latest high-speed penetrator tests into solid ice targets.
Initial indications are that the test was successful with only superficial damage to the penetrator paintwork. The penetrator is now undergoing post impact thermal vacuum testing and when this is completed the mass spectrometer with its gas delivery system will be returned to Walton Hall. “Although first indications are good, without actually examining the payload and carrying out post impact testing it is too early to say whether the mass spectrometer instrument has survived the test” cautioned Simon.
Read more and watch a video of the test at the BBC Science and Environment page.
17 July 2013