LAUSR

Abstract The problem of influence of mechanical vibrations on a measurement is well known and analyzed for ground conditions. However, the problem becomes quite essential and difficult to solve in space conditions. The influence of vibrations on accuracy of the measurement was observed on MIPAS – ENVISAT and in PFS Mars Express. This paper presents an experimental and theoretical investigation on sensitivity to mechanical disturbances of the Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer PFS. A theoretical analysis has been performed in order to highlight the expected effect of the vibration, then laboratory tests have been designed and carried out for instrument characterization. The theoretical investigation has been confirmed by experimental tests. The data were distorted by errors that reflect the influence of vibrations on the instrument and temperature instability of the reference source. The considerations are a perfect example presenting the scale of vibrations problem and the instability of the reference source in assessing accuracy of the measurement in space.