Francesco Santoli
A5086806082- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Geophysics and Gravity Measurements
- Astro and Planetary Science
- Particle Detector Development and Performance
- Inertial Sensor and Navigation
- Spacecraft Design and Technology
- Pulsars and Gravitational Waves Research
- Astrophysical Phenomena and Observations
- Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
- Radio Astronomy Observations and Technology
- Cosmology and Gravitation Theories
- Astronomical Observations and Instrumentation
- Geophysics and Sensor Technology
- Space Satellite Systems and Control
- Space Exploration and Technology
- Calibration and Measurement Techniques
- Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies
- GNSS positioning and interference
- Advanced X-ray and CT Imaging
- Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
- Advanced Frequency and Time Standards
- Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae
- CCD and CMOS Imaging Sensors
- Nuclear Physics and Applications
- Superconducting Materials and Applications
National Institute for Astrophysics
2009-2024
Institute for Space Astrophysics and Planetology
2014-2024
Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale
2024
Université Paris-Saclay
2024
Osservatorio di Astrofisica e Scienza dello Spazio
2024
Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova
2022
Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Pisa
2021
Abstract BepiColombo is a joint mission between the European Space Agency, ESA, and Japanese Aerospace Exploration JAXA, to perform comprehensive exploration of Mercury. Launched on $20^{\mathrm{th}}$ <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:msup> <mml:mn>20</mml:mn> <mml:mi>th</mml:mi> </mml:msup> </mml:math> October 2018 from spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, spacecraft now en route Two orbiters have been sent Mercury will be put into dedicated, polar orbits around...
While X-ray Spectroscopy, Timing and Imaging have improved verymuch since 1962, when the first astronomical non-solar source was discovered, especially with launch of Newton/X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission, Rossi/X-ray Explorer Chandra/Advanced Astrophysics Facility, progress polarimetry has been meager. This is in part due to lack sensitive polarization detectors, fate approved missions because celestial sources appeared less polarized than expected. Only one positive measurement available until...
Due to be launched in late 2021, the Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) is a NASA Small mission designed perform polarization measurements 2-8 keV band, complemented with imaging, spectroscopy and timing capabilities. At heart of focal plane set three polarization-sensitive Gas Pixel Detectors (GPD), each based on custom ASIC acting as charge-collecting anode. In this paper we shall review design, manufacturing, test IXPE focal-plane detectors, particular emphasis connection between...
Abstract The dual spacecraft mission BepiColombo is the first joint between European Space Agency (ESA) and Japanese Aerospace Exploration (JAXA) to explore planet Mercury. was launched from Kourou (French Guiana) on October 20th, 2018, in its packed configuration including two spacecraft, a transfer module, sunshield. cruise trajectory long journey into inner heliosphere, it includes one flyby of Earth (in April 2020), Venus 2020 August 2021), six Mercury (starting before orbit insertion...
Abstract In preparation for the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission to Mercury, thematic working groups had been established coordinating activities within Science Working Team in specific fields. Here we describe scientific goals of Geodesy and Geophysics Group (GGWG) that aims at addressing fundamental questions regarding Mercury’s internal structure evolution. This multidisciplinary investigation will also test gravity laws by using planet Mercury as a proof mass. The instruments on Planetary...
The Mercury Orbiter Radio Science Experiment onboard the European Space Agency/Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) BepiColombo mission aims at determining gravity field and rotational state of planet to provide insight into its internal structure performing tests general relativity. experiment will rely on accurate radiometric data provided by Ka-band transponder measurements nonconservative perturbations acting spacecraft, Italian Spring Accelerometer. This paper presents a software...
Abstract ISA (Italian Spring Accelerometer) is a high sensitivity accelerometer flying, as scientific payload, on-board one of the two spacecraft (the Mercury Planetary Orbiter) BepiColombo, first ESA mission to Mercury. The commissioning phase (performed in period November 2018 - August 2019) allowed verify functionality instrument itself well related data handling and archiving system. Moreover, acceleration measurements gathered this time frame allow envisage potentiality such an...
IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) is a NASA Small Explorer mission -- in partnership with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) dedicated to polarimetry 2--8 keV energy band. The telescope comprises three grazing incidence mirror modules coupled detector units hosting each one Gas Pixel Detector (GPD), gas that allows measuring polarization degree by using photoelectric effect. A wide and accurate ground calibration was carried out on Units (DUs) at INAF-IAPS, Italy, where facility set-up...
The ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission is currently on its way to Mercury, aiming unveil the secrets held by innermost planet of Solar System. radio tracking measurements, in combination with data acquired onboard accelerometer, will enable a precise navigation spacecraft addressing scientific objectives mission. A series planetary flybys are required during interplanetary transfer orbit save propellant for orbital insertion around Mercury. We present here joint analysis and accelerometer...
The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer is a mission dedicated to the measurement of polarization from tens astrophysical sources belonging different classes. Expected be launched at end 2021, payload comprises three mirrors and focal plane imaging polarimeters, latter being designed built in Italy. While calibration always an essential phase development high-energy space missions, for IXPE it has been particularly extensive both calibrate response polarization, which peculiar IXPE, achieve...
This paper concerns the development of a first simplified model to take into account perturbations produced by nongravitational forces acting on satellites Galileo FOC constellation and corresponding orbital determinations within G4S_2.0 project. has series objectives in verifying gravitational interaction weak field limit theory general relativity, exploiting particular eccentricity orbits some precise measurements that can be derived from atomic clocks board these satellites. The study...
The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) will add polarization to the properties (time, energy, and position) observed in x-ray astronomy. A NASA Astrophysics Small (SMEX) partnership with Italian Space Agency (ASI), IXPE measure 2–8-keV of a few dozen sources during first 2 years following its 2021 launch. Observatory includes three identical telescopes, each comprising 4-m-focal-length (grazingincidence) mirror module assembly (MMA) polarization-sensitive (imaging) detector unit (DU),...
The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) will expand the information space for study of cosmic sources, by adding polarization to properties (time, energy, and position) observed in x-ray astronomy. Selected 2017 January as a NASA Astrophysics Small (SMEX) mission, IXPE be launched into an equatorial orbit 2021. observatory includes three identical telescopes, each comprising 4-m-focal-length (grazing-incidence) mirror module assembly (MMA) polarization-sensitive (imaging) detector unit...
IXPE, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, is a NASA SMEX mission with an important contribution of ASI that will be launched Falcon 9 in 2021 and reopen window polarimetry after more than 40 years. The payload features three identical telescopes each one hosting light-weight mirror fabricated by MSFC detector unit its in-orbit calibration system Gas Pixel Detector sensitive to imaging polarization INAF/IAPS, INFN OHB Italy. focal length boom deployment from ATK-Orbital 4 m, while...
The key role of the Italian Spring Accelerometer (ISA) in radio science measurements ESA BepiColombo mission to Mercury is remove, a posteriori, non-gravitational accelerations acting on Planetary Orbiter (MPO) due very strong radiation environment around Mercury. This paper devoted describe on-ground actuator calibration procedure along with facility assembled carry it out. Such necessary guarantee accelerometer performance and hence reach ambitious objectives Radio Science Experiment (RSE) mission.
Temperature is a major source of inaccuracy in high-sensitivity accelerometers and gravimeters. Active thermal control systems require power may not be ideal some contexts such as airborne or spaceborne applications. We propose solution that relies on multiple thermometers placed within the accelerometer to measure temperature gradient variations. Machine Learning algorithms are used relate temperatures their effect readings. However, obtaining labeled data for training these can difficult....
This paper introduces the main problems related to modeling of effects nongravitational perturbations on satellites Galileo FOC constellation. The problem is addressed from point view scientific objectives for Science (G4S_2.0) project. These are reflected in a set fundamental physics measurements that will exploit orbits and atomic clocks aboard satellites, particular GSAT-0201 GSAT-0202 characterized by elliptical orbits, not almost circular such as case remaining focus direct solar...
PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars) is an M3 medium-class space mission in ESA's Cosmic Vision program devoted to detecting studying a large number extrasolar planetary systems. Its launch planned for the end 2026 from Europe's Spaceport French Guiana. The Payload consists 26 wide field-of-view Cameras, each observing specific part sky, associated data processing units power supply units. 24 Normal-Cameras will provide very high-resolution photometric measurement light...
The goal of the Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) Mission, a NASA Small (SMEX), is to expand understanding high-energy astrophysical processes and sources, in support NASA's first science objective Astrophysics: "Discover how universe works." IXPE, an international collaboration, will conduct X-ray imaging polarimetry for multiple categories cosmic sources such as neutron stars, stellar-mass black holes, supernova remnants active galactic nuclei. Observatory uses single operational...
The goal of the Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) Mission, a NASA Small (SMEX), is to expand understanding high-energy astrophysical processes and sources, in support NASA's first science objective Astrophysics: "Discover how universe works." Polarization uniquely probes anisotropies-ordered magnetic fields, aspheric matter distributions, or general relativistic coupling black-hole spin-that are not otherwise measurable. enables specific properties extended X-ray sources be...
IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) is a NASA SMEX in partnership with ASI. The focal plane Detector Units (DUs) and the Service Unit (DSU) were developed by Italian research Institutes INAF-IAPS INFN manufactured OHB-I. will investigate polarimetry 2-8 keV energy band. payload comprises three identical telescopes, each composed of mirror detector unit an polarimeter based on Gas Pixel (GPD). A stray-light collimator (SLC) mounted top DU to shield GPD from background X-rays not coming...