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SPICA (SPace Infrared telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics, see Figure 1) is a proposed next generation space infrared observatory. The mission will study formation of planets, solar system processes, and the origin of the universe. SPICA is an international project, led by the Japanese space agency JAXA, with contributions from Europe. SPICA has been selected as a candidate ESA M-class Cosmic Vision mission. SPICA will have a single 3.5 m mirror operating at 4.5 Kelvin. The wavelength range will cover 5 to 210 =m. The SAFARI (SpicA FAR infrared Instrument) imaging FTS (Fourier Transform Spectrometer) is one of five anticipated focal plane instruments. It will operate in the wavelength range of 35 to 210 =m. The proposed European contributions to SPICA will consist of the telescope subsystem, the ground segment and SAFARI. SAFARI will be financed through national contributions. The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) in the UK has been leading the Phase A study for this European SAFARI spectrometer. Currently SRON in the Netherlands has taken over this leading role from RAL. SAFARI contains an Optical Delay Line (ODL) scan mechanism: FTSM. TNO has been participating in a SPICA SAFARI study, led by SRON, to support the RAL SPICA SAFARI Phase A investigations. The objective of this study was to increase the overall SAFARI TRL and improve the chances for SPICA in the ESA Cosmic Vision down selection. TNO participates in the optical design trade off between the SAFARI instrument and the FTS scan mechanism and leads the preliminary design of the FTS scan mechanism. Micromega- Dynamics contributed to the magnetic bearing design. SRON is developing control electronics for the FTSM. TNO has previously been developing a cryogenic optical delay line mechanism breadboard with magnetic bearings together with Micromega-Dynamics and SRON for the Darwin mission. That heritage was the basis for the development of the SAFARI FTSM.
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