BackForwardInstrument:  INMS 

Instrument details
Acronym INMS
Full name Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer
Purpose To improve understanding of the variability of atmospheric drag, the chemistry of the thermosphere and the impact of space weather on the upper-atmosphere. It measures the density of various ionised and neutral particles in the environment the spacecraft passes through, but is optimised to measure O, O2, NO and N2 ion and neutral particle concentrations in the thermosphere.
Short description An electrostatic particle analyser.
Background A research development.
Scanning Technique The INMS on the leading satellite will face forward to collect the particles. On the trailing satellite the INMS will periodically rotate.
Resolution
Coverage / Cycle
Mass Power Data Rate

 

Providing Agency UKSA
Instrument Maturity Flown on an R&D satellite
Utilization Period: 2023 to 2025
Last update: 2022-11-07
Detailed characteristics
Satellites this instrument is flying on

Note: a red tag indicates satellites no longer operational, a green tag indicates operational satellites, a blue tag indicates future satellites

Instrument classification
  • Solar and space environment monitors
  • Energetic particle spectrometer
WIGOS Subcomponents
  • Subcomponent 3
  • Neutral and Ion Mass Spectrometer
  • Heavy ions mass spectrometer [from LEO and HEO]
Mission objectives
Primary mission objectives
  • Heavy ion flux energy and mass spectrum
Evaluation of Measurements

The following list indicates which measurements can typically be retrieved from this category of instrument. To see a full Gap Analysis by Variable, click on the respective variable.

Note: table can be sorted by clicking on the column headers
Note: * Primary mission objective.