PetitSat (Plasma Enhancements in The Ionosphere-Thermosphere Satellite)

Provide in-situ measurements of plasma density, 3D ion drift, as well as ion and neutral composition.

Study density irregularities in the mid and low-latitude ionosphere. Ion-Neutral Mass Spectrometer, or INMS — the world’s smallest mass spectrometer. Gridded Retarding Ion Drift Sensor.

petitSat is a GSFC 6U CubeSat led by Principal Investigator Dr. Jeffrey Klenzing. The mission is funded by the NASA Science Mission Directorate Heliophysics Division. It is a collaboration that includes Utah State University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and Boston University.

• petitSat's primary goal is to study the link between Medium-Scale Traveling Ionosphere Disturbances (MSTIDS), also referred to as electrobouyancy waves, and plasma enhancements and determine conditions under which MSTIDS generate large plasma enhancements, which can interfere with radio waves used for communication and navigation. Recent observations from the C/NOFS satellite suggest that multiple mechanisms are responsible for forming plasma enhancements, with wave action in the thermosphere as a significant driver of the enhanced densities. Statistical analysis of enhancements observed from satellites resembles statistics of MSTIDS with respect to seasonal variability and solar activity. In order to investigate the link between these two phenomena, both in situ data of the plasma enhancement and remote data of the MSTID at the magnetic footprint are required.
• petitSat is designed to provide in situ measurements of the plasma density, 3D ion drift, as well as ion and neutral composition. The instrument suite includes a combined retarding potential analyzer and cross-track drift meter and a neutral spectrometer. It will provide comprehensive information about the fluctuations in plasma, as well as changes in the neutral profile.

petitSat will also be incorporating a technology demonstration of an impulse control system utilizing ion thrusters that was developed internally at GSFC. This demonstration will be conducted once the mission's science objectives have been met.