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IMPEx - Integrated Medium for Planetary Exploration
Europe prepares to embark on exciting journeys about the vast space of our solar system. Yet, an integrated framework for better processing of the data we would get back from such missions is needed before takeoff. IMPEx prepares to deliver just that.
Look into sky and sometimes you see Jupiter; the fifth planet from the Sun and the largeset planet within the Solar System, Jupiter is amongst the foreseen destinations for future European space exploration missions. Together with Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn and Titan, the gas giant is set to be approached by European spacecraft on missions to expand our understanding of the Solar System.
However, in the past, scientific return on even the most expensive and exciting space exploration missions has been limited as a result of the lack of an integrated framework for the processing of the data that are returned to Earth.
The IMPEx project addresses this shortfall, thereby adding value to the European exploration endeavours. IMPEx is aimed at the creation of an integrated framework where data from space missions will be interconnected to numerical models providing a possibility 1) to simulate planetary phenomena and interpret spacecraft measurements; 2) to test and improve models versus experimental data; 3) to fill caps in measurements by appropriate modelling runs; 4) to solve technological tasks regarding mission operations, including preparation on new missions. Via its infrastructure, IMPEx will enhance the efficiency of space mission data exploitation for scientific research, and make the existing data and computational models available for the broad planetary science community. Thereby researchers who may not themselves be part of the space mission teams can benefit from such mission too. That will promote the contribution of European space assets to overall scientific and technological knowledge.
Source: European Communities, 2011
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