Autonomous, Additively Manufactured, Multi-Langmuir Probe for CubeSat Plasma Diagnostics

We report the design, fabrication, and characterization of a novel, compact, and fully additively manufactured multi-Langmuir probe (MLP) for CubeSat ionospheric plasma diagnostics. The MLP incorporates three different Langmuir probe (LP) arrangements (i.e., single, dual, and triple LPs) to accurately measure a wide range of plasma properties with redundancy. The reported MLP has integrated low-power, compact electronics and is manufactured using rapid prototyping techniques; consequently, it is a plasma sensing solution compatible with CubeSats that aligns with in-space manufacturing. The dielectric parts of the MLP are made via vat photopolymerization of vitrolite, while the conductive parts of the MLP are made via binder jetting of SS 316L. The electronics of the MLP were verified using calibrated equipment. Experimental characterization of MLP prototypes was conducted using a laboratory helicon plasma chamber, showing good agreement across different LP configurations. The MLP is the first of its kind, enables the implementation of superior and more affordable CubeSat plasma sensors, and aims at providing crucial data to improve our understanding of ionospheric plasma and its implications for climate change.