The requirements and interfaces of the instrument will be defined. First, the physical quantities that will
be measured by the instrument will be estimated by analytical models and/or simulation software. Then, using this
theoretical data set and the experimental data acquiered in WP4, the technical requirements and interfaces for the instrument will be defined.
Work packages
WP1 - Definition of the requirements
WP2 - Development of sub-units and units
Design of the hardware sub units and units that will constitute the breadboard instrument:
- Front end electronics
- HVPS unit
- LVPS unit
- Control and processing unit (including firmware)
- Electrodes/probes
- Mechanical enclosure of the instrument
WP3 - Breadboard SW and electronics integration
In this WP, the SW will be developed and the mechanical box will be designed and manufactured. Once the electronic units and sub-units have been designed, tested and validated, the goal will be to integrate the complete instrument (both mechanically and electronically) and validate its functionality and performance.
WP4 - Laboratory test and validation
The objectives of this WP are to develop the test facility, validate the physical quantity ranges and test the instrument. The test facility will be based on a previously developed equipment which can simulate a representative environment in terms of dust charging and transportation. It will allow measuring the E-field needed to move charged dust particles, the current resulting from their impact onto the dust electrodes and the charging level of those particles (surface potential).
WP5 - Impact, outreach and dissemination
The objective is to increase the impact of the project both for the scientific/industrial communities and the society, and to ensure the further development and use of the instrument in future exploration missions.
WP6 - Project management and coordination
Adequate administrative management procedures are established and implemented to ensure the timely and qualitative progress of the project, as well as efficient reporting on project status and achievements.