After putting together a custom system, we needed a way to precisely control the integrated scanning system to carryout the systematic documentation of the Stardust collectors that was desired. For this purpose, we turned to Matt Batchelor of Meyer Instruments, who developed a custom application affectionately known as Aardvark. Aardvark allows us to setup up and scan a user-defined area (up to 22 inches square) of the Stardust collector – or any other samples should we so choose – all while acquiring and storing high-resolution digital images of the area being documented. Matt worked closely with the Stardust contractor team to understand the needs of the group and to develop this custom application bringing together hardware from various manufacturers and making it work in a simple and concise manner. Matt’s understanding and knowledge of our needs and goals was of great benefit to the overall success that the Stardust team experienced and had in documenting the condition of the Stardust samples upon their return to Earth, and in the various studies related to our understanding the make-up of comet Wild 2.

Thomas H. See
Project Manager / Principal Scientist
NASA