| Issue |
EAS Publications Series
Volume 45, 2010
GAIA: At the Frontiers of Astrometry
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Page(s) | 181 - 188 | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/eas/1045031 | |
| Published online | 15 February 2011 | |
C. Turon, F. Meynadier and F. Arenou (eds)
EAS Publications Series, 45 (2010) 181-188
The Gaia spectroscopic instrument (RVS): a technical challenge
1
Mullard Space Science Laboratory, University College London,
Holmbury St Mary,
Dorking, Surrey
RH5 6NT,
UK
2
GEPI, Observatoire de Paris Meudon, 5 place Jules Janssen, 92190
Meudon,
France
The lack of radial velocity data in the Hipparcos catalogue was considered a significant deficiency, so when Gaia was conceived, a spectrometer was a core constituent of its payload. The Gaia Radial Velocity Spectrometer faced a number of design challenges, in particular set by the need to balance kinematic and astrophysical capability. We present an overview of the evolution of the instrument to its present form, identifying the competing technical, performance and programmatic factors which have shaped it.
© EAS, EDP Sciences 2011