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Solar Wind Around Pluto, SWAP

ResourceID
spase://SMWG/Instrument/NewHorizons/SWAP

Description

The Solar Wind Around Pluto, SWAP, Instrument on New Horizons will measure the Interaction between the Solar Wind and Ions created by Atmospheric Loss from Pluto. These Measurements provide a Characterization of the Total Loss Rate and allow us to examine the Complex Plasma Interactions at Pluto for the First Time. Constrained to fit within Minimal Resources, SWAP is optimized to make Plasma-Ion Measurements at all Rotation Angles as the New Horizons Spacecraft scans to image Pluto and Charon during the Flyby. In order to meet these Unique Requirements, we combined a Cylindrically Symmetric Retarding Potential Analyzer, RPA, with small Deflectors, a Top-Hat Analyzer, and a Redundant/Coincidence Detection Scheme. This Configuration allows for highly sensitive Measurements and a controllable Energy Passband at all Scan Angles of the Spacecraft.

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Details

Version:2.2.8

Instrument

ResourceID
spase://SMWG/Instrument/NewHorizons/SWAP
ResourceHeader
ResourceName
Solar Wind Around Pluto, SWAP
AlternateName
SWAP
ReleaseDate
2017-08-03 00:00:00Z
Description

The Solar Wind Around Pluto, SWAP, Instrument on New Horizons will measure the Interaction between the Solar Wind and Ions created by Atmospheric Loss from Pluto. These Measurements provide a Characterization of the Total Loss Rate and allow us to examine the Complex Plasma Interactions at Pluto for the First Time. Constrained to fit within Minimal Resources, SWAP is optimized to make Plasma-Ion Measurements at all Rotation Angles as the New Horizons Spacecraft scans to image Pluto and Charon during the Flyby. In order to meet these Unique Requirements, we combined a Cylindrically Symmetric Retarding Potential Analyzer, RPA, with small Deflectors, a Top-Hat Analyzer, and a Redundant/Coincidence Detection Scheme. This Configuration allows for highly sensitive Measurements and a controllable Energy Passband at all Scan Angles of the Spacecraft.

Contacts
RolePersonStartDateStopDateNote
1.PrincipalInvestigatorspase://SMWG/Person/David.J.McComas
InformationURL
Name
The Solar Wind Around Pluto, SWAP, Instrument Aboard New Horizons
URL
Description

SWAP Instrument Detailed Description

InformationURL
Name
NASA New Horisons SWAP Instrument
URL
Description

SWAP Instrument on NASA's New Horizons Spacecraft

InstrumentType
EnergeticParticleInstrument
InvestigationName
Solar Wind Around Pluto, SWAP, on New Horizons
ObservatoryID