A planetary atmosphere simulator: application to Titan

A planetary environment simulation system developed in the framework of the activities connected with the preparation of the Cassini-Huygens mission is presented. In particular, the simulator was designed to recreate Titanʹs atmospheric conditions specifically to test the HASI instrument, part of the Huygens probe payload. A review of the actual knowledge on Titanʹs environment is reported. The experimental apparatus and its technical specifications are described together with some applications. Thermal cycles have been done to test the system performance. It has been possible to reproduce the pressure versus temperature profile of the upper atmosphere of Titan for pressures lower than 20 mbar and temperatures higher than 110 K. The thermal insulation ensures better performance regarding conditions of lower temperatures (between 70 and 110 K), improving the stability and internal temperature homogeneity. An application of the simulator as test chamber for nine sets of pressure sensors of the HASI instruments is described together with the results obtained.