A mass spectrometer concept for identifying planetary atmosphere composition
Abstract
The design and use of mass spectrometers to measure and identify atmospheric gas compositions of planets are discussed. Special emphasis during the design phase was given to dynamic range that the instrument must have, mass range the instrument must cover, and precision of the measurements that are necessary, for example to confirm isotope ratios. Some problems encountered in the use of the instrument are illustrated using data from the Pioneer-Venus program.
- Publication:
-
Outer Planet Probe Technology Workshop
- Pub Date:
- August 1974
- Bibcode:
- 1974oppt.workQ....S
- Keywords:
-
- Gas Composition;
- Mass Spectrometers;
- Planetary Atmospheres;
- Design Analysis;
- Dynamic Characteristics;
- Instrument Errors;
- Range (Extremes);
- Space Probes;
- Spacecraft Instrumentation