jsc2022e042615

jsc2022e042615 (1/16/2022) --- The EMIT instrument after completion of all pre-launch environmental testing. The instrument is posed in front of one of the thermal-vacuum chambers that was used to qualify it for the hot and cold temperatures it will experience while operating on the exterior of the ISS. The reflective, mirror-like surface on the right is one of the instrument’s two radiator panels used to help cool the instrument electronics, cryocooler, and optics. The white cover is called “beta cloth,” which acts as a thermal blanket to keep the instrument within the desired operating temperature range. The dark gray portion surrounded by yellow tape is the telescope entrance. This covering prevents contaminants from being deposited on sensitive optical surfaces. Image courtesy of JPL.