CP12 (ExoCube 2, ExoCube-2)

Measure in-situ densities of selected ions and neutrals in the upper
ionosphere and lower exosphere.

Acquiring in-situ densities of ions and neutrals in the upper ionosphere and lower exosphere. measure in-situ densities of selected ions and neutrals in the upper ionosphere and lower exosphere. These measurements will be used to characterize the climatology of the upper ionospheric and lower exospheric composition. They will help improve current empirical and climatological atmospheric models.

The densities are measured using a gated time-of-flight mass spectrometer designed and built by NASA Goddard. ExoCube 2 uses a gated time-of-flight spectrometer developed by NASA Goddard. The ADCS includes deployable booms for gravity gradient stabilization and a reaction wheel mounted on the pitch axis to couple the roll and yaw axes.