SBIR-STTR Award

We propose to develop a new generation of miniature electrostatic analyzers (ESA)suitable for use on microsatellites that may be fabricated by means of MEMS or electrochemistry. The resulting instrument will offer significant size, weight, and power advantages over existing technology. As part of this project we will develop new methods of building electron multipliers to comply with the size and volume requirements of the miniature ESAs. We will design and breadboard high-density electronics modules to bias, control, and process data from arrays of miniature ESAs. We will develop processing algorithms to compress and summarize array data.

Design, construct, and test a compound miniature electrostatic analyzer suitable for flight aboard a microsatellite. Improve modeling techniques to aid in optimizing design-to-mission characteristics with minimum cost. Identify or develop fabrication techniques that enable efficient construction of these designs. Develop and document assembly, testing, handling, and storage techniques that minimize integration and operational requirements.

Keywords:
Minaturized, Microsatellite Instrument, Spaceflight, Space Environment