LPW

Langmuir Probe and Waves

The Langmuir Probe and Waves (LPW) instrument is part of the MAVEN mission and determines ionospheric properties, wave heating of the upper atmosphere, and solar EUV input to the atmosphere. LPW measures the in situ electron density and electron temperature from the ionospheric peak up to the nominal ionopause location and the electric field wave power important for ion heating. LPW is inspiration for the upcoming AETHER instrument, recently picked to be part of NASA's GDC mission.

Science Target:

Mars

Science Focus:

Planetary Atmosphere

Instrument Type:

In situ: Fields

Instrument Site: