TOPS

TOPS [JAXA]

TOPS (Telescope Observatory for Planets on Small-satellite) is a small astronomic observatory to examine the atmospheres of the planets. I features to telescopes with 30 cm aperture, covering the range from ultraviolet (121 nm wavelength) to visible light and near-infrared (1,100 nm wavelength). By making use of the latest commercial technologies, it will have unique, outstanding functions such as spectral imaging covering over 400 wavelengths and shape-changeable occulting mask. By masking the light day-side of planets, it can catch the faint light of the night-side or atmosphere in the exosphere. One of the important targets of TOPS is stereoscopic observation of Jupiter's clouds and atmospheric composition including its lightning-discharge emissions.

The mission has been replaced by the redesigned SPRINT A (EXCEED).