Development of a prototype electrostatic analyzer (ESA) for satellite use capable of detecting electrons or ions with 128 degrees of pitch angle distribution. The instrument will be a 270 deg spherical ESA with one degree angular resolution. A discrete anode array system will be incorporated to read out the microchannel plate detector, with hybrid charge sensitive preamplifier/discriminators detecting the charge from the anodes. Compact encoding electronics and counters will accumulate the information to be processed by a microprocessor controlled data processing unit. Sweeping high voltage power supplies will be developed to step the energy selection ESA plates. Emphasis will be given in low power consumption, Light weight as well as the capability of the sensor to be operative in high radiation environments.
