Calibration of MAJIS (Moons And Jupiter Imaging Spectrometer). II. Spatial calibration.

Area of Science:

• Planetary Science
• Astrophysics
• Space Instrumentation

Background:

• The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission aims to study Jupiter's icy moons.
• The Moons and Jupiter Imaging Spectrometer (MAJIS) is a key instrument for this mission.
• Pre-flight characterization and calibration are crucial for ensuring instrument performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To thoroughly measure and document the spatial responses of the MAJIS instrument before its space mission.
• To assess how instrument performance varies across its field of view and operational temperature range.
• To establish a baseline for comparing pre-flight and in-flight instrument behavior.

Main Methods:

• Detailed measurements of spatial response functions (slit, pixel, knife edge, ensquared energy, keystone aberration).
• Testing across multiple field of view positions and relevant temperature ranges.
• Description of experimental setups and data analysis methodologies.

Main Results:

• Comprehensive dataset of MAJIS spatial responses obtained under various conditions and wavelengths.
• Characterization of instrumental aberrations and functions.
• Identification of minor changes in instrument response and channel coalignment post-launch by comparing with initial in-flight data.

Conclusions:

• The pre-flight calibration campaign provided a detailed understanding of MAJIS's spatial response.
• Post-launch data revealed slight deviations from ground measurements, necessitating in-flight monitoring.
• These findings are vital for accurate data interpretation from the JUICE mission.