MICROINSTRUMENTS AND MICROSENSORS FOR SPACE SCIENCE

Advances in micromachining technology in many defense and civilian pro grams make it feasible to design miniature sensors and instruments of the order of 10(2)-10(3) and 10(3)-10(4) g, respectively. By applying new signal detection principles, we have designed microspectrometers, microseismometers, microsamplers and other devices, which are now in v arying phases of development and testing. Microspacecraft of the order of 10 kg, employing miniature sensors and instruments, are uniquely s uited for three types of space science missions: missions that require multiple simultaneous measurements in different locations, missions t hat require very high launch energy and high risk missions where risk may be reduced by replacing a single large and expensive spacecraft wi th numerous independent small crafts. Applications examined include se ismological and meteorological measurements on planetary surfaces and atmospheres and investigation of the mesoscale plasma structure around the Earth.