After manufacturing the engineering model (EM) of the Thermal Infrared Imager TIRI, we finished all environmental tests at the end of April 2023. And now, EM development has been completed! (Fig. 1)
EM was handed over to the Hera spacecraft developer (OHB) through the European Space Agency (ESA) in early May, and is participating in the electrical test with the spacecraft system.
Figure 1: Engineering model (EM) of Thermal Infrared Imager TIRI
Before shipping the EM to Europe, we took a commemorative photo with the Meisei TIRI development team and the Hera JAPAN project team (Fig. 2). We realized that not only the people who helped us with the calibration test to understand the performance of TIRI, but also the various people in charge of structure, heat, software development, etc., were involved in the development of TIRI (*). At the development site, production of the flight model (FM) that will actually be on board to the Hera spacecraft has already begun. The tight development schedule continues, but we would like to continue to work together to advance development.
Figure 2: Meisei Electric TIRI development team (white suits) and Hera JAPAN project team (blue suits) surrounding TIRI EM just before shipment (🄫Meisei Electric)
* Coincidentally, I reunited with a schoolmate for the first time in 11 years, and that made us feel so relaxed.
Shimaki, Hera JAPAN
May 29, 2023