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Abstract: We report the results of a series of X- and γ-ray measurements on a , 2mm thick CdZnTe detector carried out at the HASYLAB and ESRF synchrotron radiation facilities. The detector energy response function was found to be linear over the energy range 10–100keV with an average rms non-linearity of 0.6%, consistent with statistics. Under full area illumination, the FWHM energy resolution was 270eV at 5.9keV and rises to 930eV at 59.54keV. Under pencil beam illumination, the measured energy resolution at 10keV was 310eV FWHM and rises to ∼1000eV at 100keV. At 60keV the resolution was found to be ∼30% lower than that measured under uniform illumination, indicating a degree of non-uniform crystallinity and stoichiometry in the bulk. For energies <50keV, the measured energy-loss spectra show symmetric photopeaks, becoming increasing tailed at higher energies due to hole trapping. Using risetime discrimination (RTD) to filter out events due to holes, it was found that the shape of the photopeaks could be substantially improved at high energies, albeit at the expense of photopeak efficiency. In fact, the relative number of counts in photopeak, dropped from ∼90% at 10keV to ∼15% at 100keV. The results show that a combination of low-noise front-end architecture and RTD leads to very good performances below, say, 100keV, but above this energy, other techniques (e.g., bi-parametric corrections or single carrier sensing techniques) need to be employed if spectrometric performance is to be maintained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Past exploration of Jupiter''s diverse satellite system has forever changed our understanding of the unique environments to be found around gas giants, both in our solar system and beyond. The detailed investigation of three of Jupiter''s Galilean satellites (Ganymede, Europa, and Callisto), which are believed to harbour subsurface water oceans, is central to elucidating the conditions for habitability of icy worlds in planetary systems in general. The study of the Jupiter system and the possible existence of habitable environments offer the best opportunity for understanding the origins and formation of the gas giants and their satellite systems. The JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) mission, selected by ESA in May 2012 to be the first large mission within the Cosmic Vision Program 2015–2025, will perform detailed investigations of Jupiter and its system in all their inter-relations and complexity with particular emphasis on Ganymede as a planetary body and potential habitat. The investigations of the neighbouring moons, Europa and Callisto, will complete a comparative picture of the Galilean moons and their potential habitability. Here we describe the scientific motivation for this exciting new European-led exploration of the Jupiter system in the context of our current knowledge and future aspirations for exploration, and the paradigm it will bring in the study of giant (exo) planets in general. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: High integration and miniaturization of payload suites have been identified by ESA as a possible strategy for future space missions. Driving argument for this effort is the wish for the future exploration of more solar system bodies in a relatively short time period. Standardizing the payload of missions may contribute to the flexibility of the mission, whereas the reduction of mass and volume could significantly reduce the all over costs. This approach was followed throughout the re-assessment of the payload of the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) for the BepiColombo mission. The exploration of Mercury imposes several challenges on the mission due to Mercury''s environment: The orbiter payload instruments have to face a rather high thermal heat load and high radiation dose levels. Mass savings were intended throughout the instrumentation by definition of the instruments design to a higher level, while meeting the science requirements. The instruments design and the iteration towards a higher maturity level was carried out together with the Science Advisory group of BepiColombo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Future low resource payload concepts will need to be developed from the viewpoint of a standard integrated payload suite where resources are dramatically reduced through high levels of integration and resource sharing. The study of this approach, its gains together with its limitations was the key objective of this work. The highly compact integration of a specific payload suite was carried out during a reassessment of the technical realisation of all instruments required to form part of the BepiColombo planetary orbiter payload (MPO) for the exploration of Mercury. A study of the heritage of other instruments developed for other missions such as Mars Express and ROSETTA was the precursor to enable identification of typical resource drivers and related problems or technology requirements. Innovative technologies aboard SMART-1 or other technology demonstration reference missions were also taken into account for their potential in miniaturisation without sacrificing performance. In the specific example of the BepiColombo Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) the resource reduction by a Highly Integrated Payload Suite (HIPS) was addressed. Here we give a review on the basic concept and a comparison to the classical approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]