数年飞行后，该探测器将于2031年抵达木星系。其上搭载了十台相当专业的科学仪器，可在极端条件下进行精确测量。在这项史诗级任务中，瑞士伯尔尼大学研发的中性离子质谱仪（NIM）成为关键科学载荷，而它的“心脏”正由FAULHABER高精度驱动技术强力驱动。
极端深空的生死挑战
此次JUICE任务中，伯尔尼大学功勋卓著。其参与开发了多种科学仪器，其中就包括用来研究木星卫星的高精度工具——中性离子质谱仪(NIM)。NIM属于地底单元(Nadir Unit)，其与另外两个粒子传感器一起构成了粒子环境包(PEP)的核心。该单元由伯尔尼大学开发和集成，经过了周密的测试。
NIM的使命是分析冰卫星大气中粒子的化学成分、分布和物理特性。测量数据可以告诉我们很多信息，例如，卫星上是否可能具有“适宜生命生存”的条件。然而，要想成功应用这些技术，需先攻克木星系的极端环境：木星的磁场巨大，产生的超高能辐射可在极短时间内摧毁即使是最坚固的电子元件。
为保护NIM和整个地底单元免受辐射，引入了特殊的屏蔽措施：电子外壳由极高密度材料钨制成，可有效阻挡高能粒子。另一要素是质谱仪的探测器：由于木星系中的高能粒子（即电离的气体原子和分子）产生的信号与实际测量对象相似，如不加保护，测量数据可能会消逝在噪声中。因此，在灵敏的探测器核心周围，额外配备了一个由1.5kg钨和钽制成的屏蔽层，结构上其由两个直径为10mm的玻璃盘组成，每个玻璃盘厚度仅0.3mm。
除防止受到辐射之外，确保仪器可靠耐用也很关键。由于无法在太空中进行维修，因此早在开发过程中就以多种方式为方方面面做了保障。在某些区域还取消了性能储备余量，以确保在条件恶劣的木星系能够最大程度实现可靠的运行。
FAULHABER驱动器助力实现太空中的精准控制
To precisely analyze the chemical composition of the atmospheres of Jupiter's moons, the NIM mass spectrometer needs a flexible measurement strategy. Here, a mechanism is used which can switch between various measuring modes. Depending on the mode, different entrance openings are used, which have to be opened or closed accordingly. To provide the required high-precision control, a specially developed drive based on tried-and-tested FAULHABER components was integrated.
The heart of the drive is a combination of an 8 mm brushless DC-motor (series 0824 … B) and a 10 mm planetary gearhead with a reduction of 1:256. Dr. Daniele Piazza from the Space Research & Planetary Sciences department at the University of Bern explains why this drive solution was selected: "On the one hand, the chosen combination has to provide the necessary characteristics, such as torque, reduction and compactness. On the other hand, the drives also need to withstand the harsh conditions of the space mission." To ensure their reliability, the magnets of the motors were subjected to intensive radiation testing in the cyclotron at the Inselspital, the University Hospital of Bern. Furthermore, the windings of the motors were baked in a vacuum at 100 °C to minimize outgassing and to ensure long-term functionality.
Without this high-precision drive, it would not be possible to exploit the full potential of the NIM instrument. The ability to switch between different measuring modes significantly broadens the scope of the scientific studies and contributes considerably to the success of the JUICE mission. FAULHABER drive technology therefore makes a decisive contribution to exploring the icy moons of Jupiter.
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