The Day Pluto Stood Still. Part:1

New Horizons spacecraft instruments. Credit: NASA/ JAPL

The New Horizons science payload consists of seven instruments – three optical instruments, two plasma instruments, a dust sensor and a radio science receiver/radiometer. This payload was designed to investigate the global geology, surface composition and temperature, and the atmospheric pressure, temperature and escape rate of Pluto and its moons.

If an extended mission is approved, the instruments will probe additional Kuiper Belt Objects that the spacecraft can reach.

The payload is incredibly power efficient – with the instruments collectively drawing less than 28 watts – and represents a degree of miniaturization that is unprecedented in planetary exploration. The instruments were designed specifically to handle the cold conditions and low light levels at Pluto and in the Kuiper Belt beyond.

Continue reading on the New Horizons instruments HERE. (http://pluto.jhuapl.edu/Mission/Spacecraft/Payload.php)

This is truly new horizons for space exploration. Congratulations to all participants and follower of this historic moment.

Links:

WIKI: Pluto (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pluto)

WIKI: New Horizons (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Horizons)

FB: New Horizons Government Organisation  (https://www.facebook.com/new.horizons1?fref=ts)

Read more about Astronomy Club Toutatis, Kustavi, Finland.