Science Instruments

This website provides access to the wealth of NEAR mission news and data. Though accurate at the time of publication, it is no longer being updated. For the latest on Johns Hopkins APL space missions, visit civspace.jhuapl.edu.

NEAR Science Instruments

Multi-Spectral Imager = MSI

Images Eros in multiple spectral bands to determine its shape and surface features, and to map mineral distributions.

NEAR Infrared Spectrometer = NIS

Measures the near-infrared spectrum to determine the distribution and abundance of surface minerals like olivine and pyroxene.

NEAR Laser Rangefinder = NLR

A laser altimeter that measures the range to the surface to build up high resolution topographic profiles. This data will give a global shape model of Eros.

X-ray/Gamma-Ray Spectrometer = XGRS

The X-Ray Spectrometer detects X-ray fluorescence from elements on the asteroid surface excited by solar X-rays. The Gamma-Ray Spectrometer detects gamma rays from specific elements on the surface. Some of the emissions are excited by cosmic rays and some are from natural radioactivity in the asteroid.

Magnetometer = MAG

Searches for and maps any intrinsic magnetic field around Eros.

Radio Science

A coherent X-band transponder measures radial velocities of the spacecraft relative to Earth. This helps to map the gravitational field of Eros.

Multi-Spectral Imager = MSI
	Images Eros in multiple spectral bands to determine its shape and surface features, and to map mineral distributions.
NEAR Infrared Spectrometer = NIS
	Measures the near-infrared spectrum to determine the distribution and abundance of surface minerals like olivine and pyroxene.
NEAR Laser Rangefinder = NLR
	A laser altimeter that measures the range to the surface to build up high resolution topographic profiles. This data will give a global shape model of Eros.
X-ray/Gamma-Ray Spectrometer = XGRS
	The X-Ray Spectrometer detects X-ray fluorescence from elements on the asteroid surface excited by solar X-rays. The Gamma-Ray Spectrometer detects gamma rays from specific elements on the surface. Some of the emissions are excited by cosmic rays and some are from natural radioactivity in the asteroid.
Magnetometer = MAG
	Searches for and maps any intrinsic magnetic field around Eros.
Radio Science
	A coherent X-band transponder measures radial velocities of the spacecraft relative to Earth. This helps to map the gravitational field of Eros.