Current status of the EarthCARE BBR detectors development

Abstract

The Broadband Radiometer (BBR) is an instrument being developed for the ESA EarthCARE satellite. The BBR instrument is led by SEA in the UK with RAL responsible for the BBR optics unit (OU) while EADS Astrium is the EarthCARE prime contractor. The BBR detectors consist of three dedicated assemblies under the responsibility of INO. The detectors development started in 2008 and led to the design and implementation of a new gold black deposition facility at INO, in parallel with the preliminary and detailed design phases of the detector assemblies. As of today, two breadboard models and one engineering model have been delivered to RAL. The engineering qualification model manufacturing activities are on-going. This paper first provides an overview of the detectors assembly and principles of operation, with emphasis given to processes developed for the assembly and integration of the detectors. Detector-level qualification planning is finally discussed.