Holistic numerical calibration of the iMESA electrostatic analyzer.

Area of Science:

• Space Physics
• Plasma Physics
• Aerospace Engineering

Background:

• Low-energy charged-particle instruments are crucial for studying the plasma environment in low Earth orbit (LEO).
• The drifted Maxwellian velocity distribution is a standard model for interpreting LEO plasma data.
• Existing methods for parameter extraction can be complex and computationally intensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an original and computationally simple method for determining plasma flow parameters (density, temperature, flow energy).
• To accurately interpret data from integrated miniaturized electrostatic analyzers used in LEO missions.
• To provide a robust algorithm for real-time or batch processing of spacecraft data.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing numerical simulations to predict and parameterize the response of an electrostatic analyzer.
• Inputting a realistic plasma distribution (isotropic, non-zero temperature) into the simulation.
• Developing a straightforward deconvolution technique based on simulated analyzer outputs.

Main Results:

• A novel method for extracting plasma flow parameters from electrostatic analyzer data.
• The method is computationally efficient, enabling rapid batch processing or real-time analysis.
• Successfully tested on data from multiple LEO missions.

Conclusions:

• The presented method offers a significant advancement in analyzing LEO plasma data.
• Its computational simplicity makes it ideal for onboard spacecraft data processing.
• Enhances the understanding of the ambient plasma environment in low Earth orbit.