← Back to NASA Technology Projects

Wide-angle Compact Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer and Energy Analyzer

Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 6)

Description

We propose to combine the traditional plasma analyzer with a gated TOF ion and neutral mass spectrometer to enable a full characterization of the ion distribution function, total ion and neutral density, ion and neutral composition, ion temperature and drifts, and neutral winds (when augmented with the Optical Angular Resolution Front End developed through a parallel IRAD). The development of this highly adaptable and compact spectrometer with energy analysis directly supports proposals to ROSES HTIDES (1), SIMPLEX (1), and Explorer-Mission of Opportunity (2).

A laboratory prototype will be developed, including all of the critical sensor and electronics components from INMS, with added capabilities including higher max energy for scanning, increased mass resolution, and FOV deflectors.

Benefits

We propose to combine the traditional plasma analyzer with a gated TOF ion and neutral mass spectrometer to enable a full characterization of the ion distribution function, total ion and neutral density, ion and neutral composition, ion temperature and drifts, and neutral winds (when augmented with the Optical Angular Resolution Front End developed through a parallel IRAD). The development of this highly adaptable and compact spectrometer with energy analysis directly supports proposals to ROSES HTIDES (1), SIMPLEX (1), and Explorer-Mission of Opportunity (2).

Details

Technology areaSensors and Instruments > In Situ Instruments and Sensors > Field and Particle Detectors
ProgramCenter Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organizationGoddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date2015-10-01
End date2016-09-01

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.