ANITA2 Flight Model Development – First ground test results of the Trace Gas Analyser for the ISS (and beyond)

ANITA2 (Analysing Interferometer for Ambient Air) follows the European precursor mission ANITA1, which delivered information on the air conditions analysing in parallel 33 of the most important trace gases on-board ISS in the cabin atmosphere in 2007 and 2008. The data have shown the benefits of in-situ measurements in a manned space cabin atmosphere. The advantages of the ANITA type instruments include high sensitivity, accuracy, precision and time resolution of the measurement data. The gas analyser relies on optical analyses with a Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer. In 2016, OHB System and SINTEF were awarded by ESA the contract to develop the ANITA2 flight model. The new system is characterised by a major reduction in mass, volume and power consumption, as well as improved characteristics in gas analysis sensitivity. The novel, sophisticated analysis SW is further improved, employing statistical and non-linear calibration and analysis methods. As for ANITA1, the programme is planned to be a joint ESA/NASA project. It is also a stepping stone into the future, as a precursor system for manned exploration missions, e.g. to Mars and the Moon. The paper presents the newly developed and built optomechanical components of the new ANITA2 instrument. It also presents the fully operating optical BB, featuring flight-light build components, and includes the first measurement results. The work described is performed under contract of the European Space Agency ESA.