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Abstract:

The L’Ralph instrument is a key component of NASA’s Lucy mission, intended to provide spectral image data of multiple Jupiter Trojans. The instrument operates from ∼0.35 to 4 μm using two focal plane assemblies: a 350–950 nm multispectral imager, Multi-spectral Visible Imaging Camera (MVIC), and a 0.97–4 μm imaging spectrometer, Linear Etalon Imaging Spectral Array (LEISA). Instrument calibration was established through ground testing before launch and has been monitored during cruise utilizing internal calibration sources and stellar targets. In-flight data have shown that the instrument thermal performance is exceeding expectations, allowing for early updates to LEISA radiometric and pointing calibrations. MVIC radiometric performance remains stable more than 3 yr since launch. The serendipitous identification of a new flyby target, (152830) Dinkinesh, allowed testing of instrument performance and interleaved LEISA and MVIC acquisitions on an asteroid target. Both MVIC and LEISA obtained data of Dinkinesh and its moon, Selam, demonstrating that they show good spectral agreement with an S- or Sq-type asteroid, along with evidence of a 3 μm absorption feature.