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In this view, engineers at the Johns Hopkins
Applied Physics Laboratory install a mockup of MESSENGER's sunshade.
Assembly of the actual shade will begin soon, and the mockup ensures
that the final shade will fit perfectly. Due to Mercury's close
proximity to the Sun the spacecraft's temperature would climb
to unmanageable levels without special protection. The outside
of this 6-foot solar umbrella will rise to 680°F (360°C),
while its special insulating properties will keep its inside surface
below 212°F (100°C) - and the spacecraft operating at
room temperature.
Last updated: April 14,
2003
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