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The Langmuir Probe and Waves (LPW) Instrument for MAVEN

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We describe the sensors, the sensor biasing and control, the signal-processing unit, and the operation of the Langmuir Probe and Waves (LPW) instrument on the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission. The LPW instrument is designed to measure the electron density and temperature in the ionosphere of Mars and to measure spectral power density of waves (DC-2 MHz) in Mars’ ionosphere, including one component of the electric field. Low-frequency plasma waves can heat ions resulting in atmospheric loss. Higher-frequency waves are used to calibrate the density measurement and to study strong plasma processes. The LPW is part of the Particle and Fields (PF) suite on the MAVEN spacecraft. The LPW instrument utilizes two, 40 cm long by 0.635 cm diameter cylindrical sensors with preamplifiers, which can be configured to measure either plasma currents or plasma waves. The sensors are mounted on a pair of \({\sim}7\) meter long stacer booms. The sensors and nearby surfaces are controlled by a Boom Electronics Board (BEB). The Digital Fields Board (DFB) conditions the analog signals, converts the analog signals to digital, processes the digital signals including spectral analysis, and packetizes the data for transmission. The BEB and DFB are located inside of the Particle and Fields Digital Processing Unit (PFDPU).

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the large number of people who have contributed to the success of this project. In particular we want to acknowledge all the engineers working on the LPW instrument for their creativity and professionalism. The work was made under NASA MAVEN contract (NNH10CC04C).

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Correspondence to L. Andersson.

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Andersson, L., Ergun, R.E., Delory, G.T. et al. The Langmuir Probe and Waves (LPW) Instrument for MAVEN. Space Sci Rev 195, 173–198 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-015-0194-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-015-0194-3

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