A neutral wind instrument for nano-satellite platforms

Abstract

Here we describe the first neutral wind sensor developed specifically for use on resource limited nano-satellite platforms. The instrument is a next generation redesign of the ram wind sensor flown on the Communications/Navigation Outage Forecasting System satellite for measurements of neutral velocity, temperature, and composition. Results of subsystem tests in vacuum conditions show low-power operation, promising design, and good resolution of measured parameters over the operational pressure and energy ranges expected in the low Earth orbit environment.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2018
Source ID
10.1063/1.5054097

Entities

People

  • C.E. Holland
  • G. D. Earle
  • G. Roth
  • Lee Kordella
  • R. L. Davidson
  • Robertson J Robertson
  • S. Noel
  • Vidur Garg

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory
  • SRI International
  • Utah State University
  • Virginia Tech

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Satellites