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In this scene, engineers get ready to check
the fit of the Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) on the spacecraft
in preparation for its scheduled installation next week. Provided
by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, MLA will use a laser pulse
to measure the distance from MESSENGER to Mercury's surface. Not
only will the MLA characterize Mercury's surface topography but
it will also allow scientists to better understand the planet's
interior structure. And, by detecting small distortions in Mercury's
overall shape, MLA measurements can help the team answer one of
the mission's key science questions: Does Mercury have a molten
core?
The four large cones will receive the laser
pulse after it has reflected off Mercury's surface, nestled between
the receivers is the transmitter. The MLA weighs 7.3 kilograms
(16 pounds) and uses 16 watts of power.
MLA will join three other instruments already
installed on MESSENGER: the X-Ray Spectrometer; Mercury Atmospheric
and Surface Composition Spectrometer; and the Fast Imaging Plasma
Spectrometer segment of the Energetic Particle and Plasma Spectrometer.
Last updated: July 18,
2003
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