Ariel, the Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey, will study what exoplanets are made of, how they formed and how they evolve, by surveying a diverse sample of about 1000 extrasolar planets, simultaneously in visible and infrared wavelengths. It is the first mission dedicated to measuring the chemical composition and thermal structures of hundreds of transiting exoplanets, enabling planetary science far beyond the boundaries of the Solar System.
Our role as CPPA (Central Parts Procurement Agency) will be to carry out engineering, procurement and testing of all the electronics and technologies that will be used by the companies responsible for the payload. It will have very important technical challenges, including the characterisation of components at cryogenic temperatures.
As a CPPA some of our main tasks will be,
- Focal point interfaces for all parties involved in the EEE parts procurement.
- To analyse and comment DCL with the aim to standardize part types and ensure compliance with PA requirements. All comments are discussed and agreed with the different users.
- To be the single interface with the manufacturers
- To coordinate PO placement to the manufacturers
- To perform follow-up, inspections and tests
- To coordinate shipment to users
- To consolidate all user needs