IMAP-GLOWS
Purpose:
GLOWS (GLObal Solar Wind Structure) is one of 10 instruments on board the NASA IMAP (The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe) mission to be launched in 2025. The satellite will be positioned at the first Lagrange Point (L1), approximately 1.5 million kilometres from Earth. IMAP aims to investigate the structure of the solar wind and its interactions with interstellar hydrogen, contributing to improved space weather prediction models and a better understanding of heliospheric dynamics.
KP Labs' Role:
- Developed onboard software for GLOWS to operate the Lyman-alpha photometer, a sensor designed to measure interactions between solar wind and interstellar hydrogen.
- Implemented algorithms for pulse shaping, histogram generation, and data preparation to ensure efficient transmission back to Earth.
- Ensured software resilience in challenging space conditions using RTEMS, meeting high reliability standards for deep-space operations.
- Leveraged open-source tools, including YAFFS and RTEMS, with plans to open-source parts of the software for the scientific community.
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