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Solar extreme ultraviolet sensor and advanced langmuir probeFor more than two decades, the staff of the Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL) has collaborated with the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in the design and implementation of Langmuir probes (LP). This program of probe development under the direction of Larry Brace of GSFC has evolved methodically with innovations to: improve measurement precision, increase the speed of measurement, and reduce the weight, size, power consumption and data rate of the instrument. Under contract NAG5-419 these improvements were implemented and are what characterize the Advanced Langmuir Probe (ALP). Using data from the Langmuir Probe on the Pioneer Venus Orbiter, Brace and Walter Hoegy of GSFC demonstrated a novel method of monitoring the solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) flux. This led to the idea of developing a sensor similar to a Langmuir probe specifically designed to measure solar EUV (SEUV) that uses a similar electronics package. Under this contract, a combined instrument package of the ALP and SEUV sensor was to be designed, constructed, and laboratory tested. Finally the instrument was to be flight tested as part of sounding rocket experiment to acquire the necessary data to validate this method for possible use in future earth and planetary aeronomy missions. The primary purpose of this contract was to develop the electronics hardware and software for this instrument, since the actual sensors were suppied by GSFC. Due to budget constraints, only a flight model was constructed. These electronics were tested and calibrated in the laboratory, and then the instrument was integrated into the rocket payload at Wallops Flight Facility where it underwent environmental testing. After instrument recalibration at SPRL, the payload was reintegrated and launched from the Poker Flat Research Range near Fairbanks Alaska. The payload was successfully recovered and after refurbishment underwent further testing and developing to improve its performance for future use.
Document ID
19930009691
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Voronka, N. R. (Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, MI, United States)
Block, B. P. (Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, MI, United States)
Carignan, G. R. (Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, MI, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
December 14, 1992
Subject Category
Solar Physics
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.26:191972
NASA-CR-191972
Accession Number
93N18880
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-1619
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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