What Does ASPERA Stand For?

ASPERA stands for Analyzer Of Space Plasma And Energetic Atoms Mars Express Spacecraft

ASPERA, which stands for Analyzer Of Space Plasma And Energetic Atoms Mars Express Spacecraft, is a scientific instrument onboard the Mars Express spacecraft. It is designed to study the Martian atmosphere and its interactions with solar wind, focusing on the composition and dynamics of space plasma and energetic atoms. By analyzing these elements, ASPERA contributes to our understanding of Mars' atmospheric escape processes and its climate history, enhancing our knowledge of planetary atmospheres and their evolution.