The BepiColombo Laser Altimeter (BELA): a post-launch summary

We use global data from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) to retrieve the lunar tidal Love number $$h_2$$ h 2 and find $$h_2 = 0.0387\pm 0.0025$$ h 2 = 0.0387 ± 0.0025 . This result is in agreement with previous estimates from laser altimetry using crossover points of LOLA profiles. The Love numbers $$k_2$$ k 2 and $$h_2$$ h 2 are key constraints on planetary interior models. We further develop and apply a retrieval method based on a simultaneous inversion for the topography and the tidal signal benefiting from the large volume of LOLA data. By the application to the lunar tides, we also demonstrate the potential of the method for future altimetry experiments at other planetary bodies. The results of this study are very promising with respect to the determination of Mercury’s and Ganymede’s $$h_2$$ h 2 from future altimeter measurements.

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Determination of the lunar body tide from global laser altimetry data

Thor

Kallenbach

Christensen

et al. 2020

J Geod

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Processing of laser altimeter time-of-flight measurements to geodetic coordinates

Xiao

Stark

Steinbrügge

et al. 2021

J Geod

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The BepiColombo Laser Altimeter

et al. 2021

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The BepiColombo Laser Altimeter (BELA) is the first European laser altimeter constructed for interplanetary flight. BELA uses a 50 mJ pulsed Nd:YAG laser operating at 10 Hz with a 20 cm aperture receiver to perform the ranging. The instrument also uses a digital approach for range detection and pulse analysis. The ranging accuracy is expected to be better than 2 metres and ∼20 cm in optimum conditions. With the given, only slightly elliptical, orbit, BELA should return a consistent data set for the most if not all of the planet. The instrument is required to function in an extreme environment with the thermal issues being particularly demanding. Novel solutions have been taken to resolve these issues. BELA is described in detail and its predicted performance outlined on the basis of pre-flight testing.

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The BepiColombo Laser Altimeter (BELA): a post-launch summary

Cited by 5 publications

References 15 publications

Determination of the lunar body tide from global laser altimetry data

Determination of the lunar body tide from global laser altimetry data

Processing of laser altimeter time-of-flight measurements to geodetic coordinates

The BepiColombo Laser Altimeter

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