VIAVI Solutions Supports NASA’s Europa Clipper Mission
VIAVI Solutions Inc. announced its contribution to NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, supplying a precision order-sorting filter for the Mapping Imaging Spectrometer for Europa (MISE) onboard the spacecraft.
MISE, a critical instrument for the mission, is designed to analyze the surface composition of Jupiter's moon Europa and assess the habitability of its subsurface ocean. It will map the distribution of organics, salts, acid hydrates, and water ice phases. VIAVI’s precision filter optimizes MISE’s performance, enabling it to capture high-resolution spectral data in the infrared range from 0.8 to 5 micrometers.
The filter integrates three core technologies: photolithographically patterned bandpass filters, a Linear Variable Filter (LVF), and both optics assembled as a Butcher Block. VIAVI and NASA collaborated to address technical challenges, including wavelength progression slope, co-planarity of the assembled optic, LVF center wavelength placement relative to alignment fiducials, and performance in a challenging radiation environment.
“We are honored to support NASA’s mission to explore one of the most intriguing moons in our solar system,” said Luke Scrivanich, senior vice president and general manager of Optical Security and Performance at VIAVI. “Our team’s dedication to precision engineering has enabled us to meet the stringent requirements for space exploration instruments like MISE.”
The Europa Clipper mission launched Oct. 14, 2024, and is expected to orbit Jupiter by April 2030. The spacecraft will fly past Europa 49 times, conducting detailed reconnaissance of the moon. Data collected by MISE and other instruments will provide critical insights into the moon's potential to support life.
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