The Galileo Energetic Particles Detector
Galileo EPD Handbook
Chapter 1. Instrument Summary
The Galileo Energetic Particles Detector Scanning System
Source: D. E. Fort, JHU/APL, Sept. 1985
Abstract. The Energetic Particles Detector is a nuclear particle instrument designed to study the Jovian particle population and to identify the major processes responsible for particle distributions and variations within the Jovian magnetosphere. Although it will be mounted on the spinning portion of the Galileo spacecraft, complete angular distribution measurements over a sphere can only be obtained if the sensors are scanned through various angles in the plane of the spin vector. To that end, a microprocessor-controlled scanning system has been incorporated in the instrument. This report describes the operation of the scanning system, its response to ground commands, and the telemetry to monitor system performance.
Contents:
- Introduction
- Scanning System Operation
- Scanning System Diagnostics and Reprogramming
- Software Flow Charts
- Hardware
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Updated 8/23/19, Cameron Crane
QUICK FACTS
Mission Duration: Galileo was planned to have a mission duration of around 8 years, but was kept in operation for 13 years, 11 months, and 3 days, until it was destroyed in a controlled impact with Jupiter on September 21, 2003.
Destination: Galileo's destination was Jupiter and its moons, which it orbitted for 7 years, 9 months, and 13 days.