Near-Infrared Spectroscopy of Hayabusa Sample Return Capsule Reentry

Abstract

As part of the 2010 airborne observational campaign for the Hayabusa capsule reentry, a system of four colocated cameras was deployed to track and measure the spacecraft fragmentation and sample return capsule descents. These instruments included an intensified video camera for narrow-field tracking, an intensified video camera for visible and near-infrared spectral measurements from 400 to 900 nm, and a near-infrared spectrograph for high-resolution measurements from 980 to 1080 nm. The latter was configured to monitor the spectral evolution of capsule emissions during descent, seeking evidence of possible carbon signatures due to ablation of the heat shield. The data complement previous Stardust capsule observations in which distinct 1069 nm emission signatures were measured, likely associated with carbon ablation from the Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator heat shield. The Hayabusa capsule spectra also exhibited 1069 nm line emissions, appearing intermittently at , persisting from approximately 13:52:10 to 13:52:20 as the capsule approached peak heating, and weakening to undetectable levels after . Continuum emission and nitrogen line emissions were detected simultaneously. The evolutions of these signatures over the course of reentry are investigated, in comparison with model predictions and complementary campaign data.