INCA (Ionospheric Neutron Content Analyzer)
Session
Session 8: Instruments/Science 1
Abstract
INCA (Ionospheric Neutron Content Analyzer) is a student-led team at New Mexico State University, responsible for building and flying a 3U CubeSat. Onboard the 3U CubeSat is a directional Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) based neutron detector that was developed by the University of New Hampshire and is currently being built by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The importance of this mission is to enable a better understanding of the neutron spectrum in low earth orbit, as the data received is currently limited to that from high altitude balloons. INCA also aims to collect data on direct solar neutrons. The neutron flux data with latitude and time dependencies collected will demonstrate the functionality of the instrument. INCA is scheduled to be launched in December 2017 into a high inclination low earth orbit aboard the Virgin Galactic LauncherOne vehicle. This presentation will review the various engineering strategies, implementations, and the challenges that the team encountered while developing INCA in order to ensure a successful mission.
Presentation
INCA (Ionospheric Neutron Content Analyzer)
INCA (Ionospheric Neutron Content Analyzer) is a student-led team at New Mexico State University, responsible for building and flying a 3U CubeSat. Onboard the 3U CubeSat is a directional Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) based neutron detector that was developed by the University of New Hampshire and is currently being built by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The importance of this mission is to enable a better understanding of the neutron spectrum in low earth orbit, as the data received is currently limited to that from high altitude balloons. INCA also aims to collect data on direct solar neutrons. The neutron flux data with latitude and time dependencies collected will demonstrate the functionality of the instrument. INCA is scheduled to be launched in December 2017 into a high inclination low earth orbit aboard the Virgin Galactic LauncherOne vehicle. This presentation will review the various engineering strategies, implementations, and the challenges that the team encountered while developing INCA in order to ensure a successful mission.
