The Medium Energy Electron Telescope (MEET): Instrument Fabrication and Testing

Abstract

This manuscript is a follow up study to Hogan et al., (2024, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023JA032221) which describes the science motivation and development of the Medium Energy Electron Telescope (MEET). Medium Energy Electron Telescope is a 1U instrument optimized to measure 30–400 keV electrons in the inner radiation belt with fine energy resolution to resolve dynamics of these populations which are not well understood. Here we present the fabrication and testing of MEET to certify its performance in preparation for in‐space measurements. Assembly of an engineering model is shown. This unit has undergone vibration testing and these results are discussed. The electronics of the instrument are tested after these environmental tests including electron measurements with pulse injection and a radioactive source. Test results indicate the instrument is viable for flight on a potential mission by satisfying noise requirements and reproduction of an input flux spectrum. The noise of expected input signals is quantified to be <∼6 keV allowing for <20% dE/E for 30 keV electrons. Strontium‐90 radioactive source tests were conducted. Using measured count rates from MEET's electron energy channels, we reproduce the strontium‐90 spectrum proving the instrument's ability to measure flux of 30–800 keV electrons with fine nominal energy resolution (<20% dE/E for <60 keV, and <10% for >60 keV electrons). These results demonstrate MEET's performance in a relevant environment via ground testing. Medium Energy Electron Telescope is available for future missions to provide novel electron measurements in the inner radiation belt.