Simulation of Images and Digital Terrain Models for the Mission BepiColombo

Nicolò Borin,Gabriele Cremonese,Cristina Re,Emanuele Simioni,Stefano Debei

doi:10.1007/s42496-021-00081-7

Nicolò Borin, Gabriele Cremonese + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s42496-021-00081-7

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Abstract

BepiColombo mission will provide Digital Terrain Models of the surface of Mercury by means of the stereo channel of the SIMBIO-SYS (Spectrometer and Imaging for MPO BepiColombo Integrated Observatory SYStem) imaging package onboard. The work here described presents a novel approach for the creation of higher resolution stereo products using the high-resolution channel of SIMBIO-SYS. Being the camera rigidly integrated with the spacecraft, this latter must be tilted to acquire stereo pairs necessary for the 3D reconstruction. A new method for image simulation and stereo reconstruction is presented in this work, where the input data are chosen as closely as possible to the real mission parameters. Different simulations are executed changing the illumination conditions and the stereo angles. The Digital Terrain Models obtained are evaluated and an analysis of the best acquisition conditions is performed, helping to improve the image acquisition strategy of BepiColombo mission. In addition, a strategy for the creation of a mosaic from different images acquired with the high-resolution channel of SIMBIO-SYS is explained, giving the possibility to obtain tridimensional products of extended targets.

Highlights

BepiColombo is one of the cornerstone missions of ESA whose aim is the exploration of Mercury
The mission is composed of two spacecrafts, the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO): the former is designed by ESA and is focused on the study of the surface, the latter is designed by JAXA and is focused on the study of the particulate environment of the planet
Different factors influence the quality of the generated Digital Terrain Model (DTM): the illumination angles in the simulated images, the stereo angles performed, the baselines and the pixel scale

Summary

Introduction

BepiColombo is one of the cornerstone missions of ESA whose aim is the exploration of Mercury. It was launched on 20th October 2018 and after 7 years of cruise it will reach the planet starting the scientific phase in 2026. SIMBIO-SYS aims to imaging and investigating the surface of Mercury to find information about the evolution of the planet and its geology. It will provide a 3D global mapping of the surface of the planet and high-resolution images of the most interesting sites along with a spectral analysis of its composition

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