Radio Science Experiment ( REX ): It will analyze the atmosphere of Pluto and also will probe if atmosphere exists around Charon , Pluto ’ s moon . It will analyze the temperature variation in Pluto ’ s and its moon ’ s atmosphere . It will be the first attempt using “ up-link radio experiment ” using radio signals from earth instead of usual down-link radio experiment .
Long Range Reconnaissance Imager ( LORRI ): It is the eagle eye of spacecraft . It is a high resolution telescopic camera . The clear images from this camera will enable detailed study of craters on the surface of Pluto also other objects of Kuiper belt when it travel beyond Pluto .
Solar wind Around Pluto ( SWAP ): It will be studying the effects of solar winds in Pluto ’ s atmosphere . The continuous flow of charged particles from sun is called solar wind . It is observed that about 75 kilograms of atmospheric particles are being blown out of Pluto ’ s atmosphere every second due to the feeble gravitational force ( about 1 / 16 th of earth ’ s gravitational force ). The escaping gas particles are in the form of neutral atoms and molecules , which acquire increased charge due to ionization from ultra violet rays of the sun .
Pluto energetic Particle Spectrometer investigation ( PEPSSI ): The purpose of this instrument is to study the density of Pluto ’ s atmosphere , the volume of escaping neutral atoms and the nature of the charged particles . It is a spectrometer to detect the volume of escaping nitrogen , carbon monoxide and methane gases from Pluto ’ s atmosphere .
The Venetia Burney Student Dust Counter ( SDC ): It is an instrument developed by the students of University of Colorado recruited by The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics ( LASP ). The goal of the Student Dust Counter ( SDC ) is to collect data , including count and mass , on the dust peppering it during New Horizon ’ s journey across the solar system on its way to Pluto . Dust in space is made up of tiny bits of asteroids and comets that are left over from the formation of the solar system . These dust grains can help scientists answer questions about star and nebulae formation , as well as many other processes going on in the universe . Grains of dust in space are tiny , typically about the same diameter as a human hair . Dust grains can be made up of many different elements , including carbon , hydrogen , nitrogen , silicon , and even water ice .
The name of the equipment is given in memory of the 11 year old Venetia Burney , who named planet “ Pluto ”.
The New Horizon will continue its journey providing additional unexpected information about the interstellar medium between starts .
The happy moment when New Horizon passes at 12500 km distance close to Pluto .