Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Graduate
Project Type
individual
Authors' Class Standing
Liam Gunter, Graduate Student
Lead Presenter's Name
Liam Owen Gunter
Faculty Mentor Name
Aroh Barjatya
Abstract
One of the crucial measurements for characterizing any space weather event is absolute plasma density and plasma density fluctuations, both spatially and temporally. Among the various methods to perform in-situ plasma density measurements is a simple Langmuir probe. This poster discusses the various implementations of a Langmuir probe and why a Planar Ion Probe (PIP) is the easiest and best method to measure high cadence absolute ion density. The researchers then present the design and performance of a PIP for the NASA LLITED dual CubeSat mission which is expected to be manifested for flight in late 2019. Performance data for the constructed PIP instruments is also presented. This includes noise analysis and calibration data, as well as refined instrument requirements. Due to its intended CubeSat platform, the designed instrument has extremely low size, weight, and power requirements. Thus, if needed, it can be deployed as a patch on multiple faces of a CubeSat, thereby reducing attitude control requirements as well as enabling the study of the wake structure around the spacecraft.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Spark Grant
Miniature Planar Ion Probe for CubeSat Missions
One of the crucial measurements for characterizing any space weather event is absolute plasma density and plasma density fluctuations, both spatially and temporally. Among the various methods to perform in-situ plasma density measurements is a simple Langmuir probe. This poster discusses the various implementations of a Langmuir probe and why a Planar Ion Probe (PIP) is the easiest and best method to measure high cadence absolute ion density. The researchers then present the design and performance of a PIP for the NASA LLITED dual CubeSat mission which is expected to be manifested for flight in late 2019. Performance data for the constructed PIP instruments is also presented. This includes noise analysis and calibration data, as well as refined instrument requirements. Due to its intended CubeSat platform, the designed instrument has extremely low size, weight, and power requirements. Thus, if needed, it can be deployed as a patch on multiple faces of a CubeSat, thereby reducing attitude control requirements as well as enabling the study of the wake structure around the spacecraft.