title: A versatile retarding potential analyzer for nano-satellite platforms.
abstract: The design of the first retarding potential analyzer (RPA) built specifically for use on resource-limited cubesat platforms is described. The size, mass, and power consumption are consistent with the limitations of a nano-satellite, but the performance specifications are commensurate with those of RPAs flown on much larger platforms. The instrument is capable of measuring the ion density, temperature, and the ram component of the ion velocity in the spacecraft reference frame, while also providing estimates of the ion composition. The mechanical and electrical designs are described, as are the operating modes, command and data structure, and timing scheme. Test data obtained using an ion source inside a laboratory vacuum chamber are presented to validate the performance of the new design.
authors.affiliation: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fanelli
authors.affiliation: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Noel
authors.affiliation: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Earle
authors.affiliation: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fish
authors.affiliation: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.affiliation: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.
authors.forename: R V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Robertson
authors.affiliation: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marquis
authors.affiliation: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Garg
authors.affiliation: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Somasundaram
authors.affiliation: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kordella
authors.affiliation: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kennedy