Beagle 2 Structural and Thermal Model Images

The microscope for Beagle 2 was originally scheduled to have 3 structural and thermal models (STMs). Two mechanical dummies of the optical head were produced at MPAE. A third high quality dummy with real optics and illumination system was provided by the University of Arizona in March 2000. CSEM provided a detector head for the best STM. Here are some pictures made prior to the delivery of the STM to the University of Leicester.

The first structural model of the microscope for Beagle 2. The optical head is to the right. The tube structure in the centre supports the optical head and forms an interface to the detector head. The optical head shown here is a mechanical dummy produced by MPAE.

View from the front of the microscope showing the high quality structural model of the optical head provided by the University of Arizona. The central hole indicates the position of the first lens. The holes surrounding the first lens contain the light emitting diodes (LEDs) which illuminate the sample.

A mechanical dummy of the optical head and the tube structure are shown on the right. On the left, the detector head provided by CSEM is shown.

A mechnical dummy of the optical head and an alternative view of the detector head.

The MPAE mechnical dummy attached to the CSEM detector head in preparation for an initial vibration test to study the performance of the tube structure.