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The French-Indian MEGHA-TROPIQUES satellite is devoted to the atmospheric research. Data collected by the satellite will improve our knowledge on the water cycle contribution to the climate dynamic in the tropical atmosphere and our understanding of the processes linked to the tropical convection. The payload is made of MADRAS (developed by CNES and ISRO) and of two instruments provided by CNES: SAPHIR and SCARAB. The paper presents: the thermal control design of the two CNES instruments SAPHIR and SCARAB, taking into account the mechanical and scientific constraints. This design is based on a passive thermal control, on uses of heating power for cold cases or safe mode. This thermal design is today analyzed and the main results will be shown; the validation logic is now defined and instrument thermal tests are in preparation. These instrument thermal tests will be done in the second part of 2008.

ChemCam is one of the 10 instrument suites on the Mars Science Laboratory, a martian rover being built by Jet Propulsion Laboratory, for the next NASA mission to Mars (MSL 2009). ChemCam is an instrument package consisting of two remote sensing instruments: a Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectrometer (LIBS) and a Remote Micro-Imager (RMI). LIBS provides elemental compositions of rocks and soils, while the RMI places the LIBS analyses in their geomorphologic context. Both instruments rely on an autofocus capability to precisely focus on the chosen target, located at distances from the rover comprised between 1 and 9 m for LIBS, and 2 m and infinity for RMI. ChemCam will help determine which samples, within the vicinity of the MSL rover, are of sufficient interest to use the contact and in-situ instruments for further characterization.

DASSAULT and COMEX have developed a “wet” suit prototype, under a one year CNES contract, for the simulation of the Soviet EVA flight suit during underwater trainings. This concept, full of water and requiring a breathing system, allows to perfectly balance the astronaut in a neutrally buoyant suit like in 0-g environment. The modelling of real pressurized joints has been overcome by means of adjustable mechanical articulations the principle of which is fully described. The prototype performances and representativity have been evaluated and validated through underwater donning/doffing and the replay of an actual EVA already performed in space by Soviet-French astronauts. This suit prototype is available today, for the European space system designers to evaluate the future EVA operations to refine the procedures and hardware requirements. The suit concept capabilities, linked to its high modularity and low development duration, are finally discussed.

1 This paper describes the conception and development status of a mini pump for two phases cooling loops. This pump is able to transport heat until 500 watts with a very low mass, low power consumption, and for a long lifetime (up to15 years)