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Bennett ion mass spectrometers on the Pioneer Venus Bus and OrbiterIdentical Bennett radio-frequency ion mass spectrometer instruments on the Pioneer Venus Bus and Orbiter have provided the first in-situ measurements of the detailed composition of the planet's ionosphere. The sensitivity, resolution, and dynamic range are sufficient to provide measurements of the solar-wind-induced bow-shock, the ionopause, and highly structured distributions of up to 16 thermal ion species within the ionosphere. The use of adaptive scan and detection circuits and servo-controlled logic for ion mass and energy analysis permits detection of ion concentrations as low as 5 ions/cu cm and ion flow velocities as large as 9 km/sec for O(+). A variety of commandable modes provides ion sampling rates ranging from 0.1 to 1.6 sec between measurements of a single constituent. A lightweight sensor and electronics housing are features of a compact instrument package.
Document ID
19800046667
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Taylor, H. A., Jr.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Brinton, H. C.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Wagner, T. C. G.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Blackwell, B. H.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Cordier, G. R.
(Norlin Communications, Inc. College Park, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing
Volume: GE-18
Subject Category
Spacecraft Instrumentation
Accession Number
80A30837
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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