Instrument

    Mini-RF instrument hardware.Mini-RF Instrument Hardware.
    Image credit: APL

    Mini-RF stands for Miniature Radio Frequency. It represents the latest technology, which has permitted the construction of a powerful scientific instrument that is much lighter and smaller than previously flown planetary radars. Each Mini-RF instrument consists of electronic boxes, and an antenna. The combined mass of these items for Mini-SAR on Chandrayaan-1 is about 7 kilograms while the Mini-RF instrument on LRO weighs approximately 13 kilograms.

    LRO and Chandrayaan-1 collection strips of data over the Lunar Poles.LRO and Chandrayaan-1 collecting strips of data from the lunar poles.
    Image credit: APL/NASA

    Mini-SAR on Chandrayaan-1 collects strips of data over the lunar poles. Each strip is 8 kilometers wide and either 300 or 150 kilometers long. Polar mosaics covering from 80° latitude to each pole by combining hundreds of these individual strips. Mini-RF on LRO will make targeted observations of exciting areas discovered by the Chandrayaan-1 instrument, using its advanced capabilities to investigate putative ice deposits.










Quick Facts

    Mini-SAR on Chandrayaan-1

    • Launch: October 2008
    • Launch Vehicle: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, India
    • Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, India
    • Lunar Orbit: 100 km, polar
    • Mission Duration: 2 years
    • Resolution: 150 meters

    Mini-RF on LRO

    • Launch: April 2009
    • Launch Vehicle: Atlas V
    • Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida
    • Lunar Orbit: 50 km, polar
    • Mission Duration: 1 year
    • Resolution: 150 meters & 30 meters