Magnetospheric Imaging Instrument (MIMI)
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PI: Dr. Stamatios M. Krimigis
MIMI Principal Investigator:
Dr. Stamatios M. Krimigis
Chief Scientist, Space Department
Applied Physics Laboratory
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins Road
Laurel, Md 20723-6099
MIMI General Description:
The Magnetospheric Imaging Instrument (MIMI) is designed to: (1) measure the
composition, charge state and energy distribution of energetic ions and electrons; (2)
detect fast neutral species; and, (3) conduct remote imaging of the Saturn's
magnetosphere. This information will be used to study the overall configuration and
dynamics of the magnetosphere and its interactions with the solar wind, Saturn's
atmosphere, Titan, rings, and icy satellites.
MIMI Scientific Objectives:
- To determine the global configuration and dynamics of hot plasma in the magnetosphere of
Saturn.
- To monitor and model magnetospheric substorm-like activity and correlate this activity
with Saturn Kilometric Radiation (SKR) observations.
- To study magnetosphere/ionosphere coupling through remote sensing of aurora and
measurements of energetic ions and electrons.
- To investigate plasma energization and circulation processes in the magnetotail of
Saturn.
- To determine through imaging and composition studies the magnetosphere/satellite
interactions at Saturn and understand the formation of clouds of neutral hydrogen,
nitrogen, and water products.
- To measure electron losses due to interactions with whistler waves.
- To study the global structure and temporal variability of Titan's atmosphere.
- Monitor the loss rate and composition of particles lost from Titan's atmosphere due to
ionization and pickup.
- To study Titan's interaction with the magnetosphere of Saturn and and the solar wind.
- To determine the importance of Titan's exosphere as a source for the atomic hydrogen
torus in Saturn's outer magnetosphere.
- To investigate the absorption of energetic ions and electrons by Saturn's rings and icy
satellites.
- To analyze Dione's exosphere.
MIMI Instrument Characteristics:
- Mass (current best estimate) = 16.00 kg
- Average Operating Power (current best estimate) = 14.00 W
- Average Data Rate (current best estimate) = 7.00 kilobits/s
