The Solar Wind Ion Analyzer for MAVEN

J. S Halekas; E. R Taylor; G Dalton; G Johnson; D. W Curtis; J. P McFadden; D. L Mitchell; R. P Lin; B. M Jakosky

doi:10.1007/s11214-013-0029-z

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Journal article

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The Solar Wind Ion Analyzer for MAVEN

J. S Halekas, E. R Taylor, G Dalton, G Johnson, D. W Curtis, J. P McFadden, D. L Mitchell, R. P Lin and B. M Jakosky

Space science reviews, Vol.195(1-4), pp.125-151

11/29/2013

DOI: 10.1007/s11214-013-0029-z

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Abstract

The Solar Wind Ion Analyzer (SWIA) on the MAVEN mission will measure the solar wind ion flows around Mars, both in the upstream solar wind and in the magneto-sheath and tail regions inside the bow shock. The solar wind flux provides one of the key energy inputs that can drive atmospheric escape from the Martian system, as well as in part controlling the structure of the magnetosphere through which non-thermal ion escape must take place. SWIA measurements contribute to the top level MAVEN goals of characterizing the upper atmosphere and the processes that operate there, and parameterizing the escape of atmospheric gases to extrapolate the total loss to space throughout Mars’ history. To accomplish these goals, SWIA utilizes a toroidal energy analyzer with electrostatic deflectors to provide a broad 360 ∘ ×90 ∘ field of view on a 3-axis spacecraft, with a mechanical attenuator to enable a very high dynamic range. SWIA provides high cadence measurements of ion velocity distributions with high energy resolution (14.5 %) and angular resolution (3.75 ∘ ×4.5 ∘ in the sunward direction, 22.5 ∘ ×22.5 ∘ elsewhere), and a broad energy range of 5 eV to 25 keV. Onboard computation of bulk moments and energy spectra enable measurements of the basic properties of the solar wind at 0.25 Hz.

Physics

Planetology

Aerospace Technology and Astronautics

Article

Astrophysics and Astroparticles

Physics and Astronomy

Space Exploration and Astronautics

Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics

Details

Title: Subtitle: The Solar Wind Ion Analyzer for MAVEN
Creators: J. S Halekas - University of California
E. R Taylor - University of California
G Dalton - University of California
G Johnson - University of California
D. W Curtis - University of California
J. P McFadden - University of California
D. L Mitchell - University of California
R. P Lin - University of California
B. M Jakosky - University of Colorado Boulder
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Space science reviews, Vol.195(1-4), pp.125-151
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
DOI: 10.1007/s11214-013-0029-z
ISSN: 0038-6308
eISSN: 1572-9672
Language: English
Date published: 11/29/2013
Academic Unit: Physics and Astronomy
Record Identifier: 9984199717702771

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