OPTIMIZING TIME-OF-FLIGHT MASS SPECTROMETER PERFORMANCE FOR SMALL SATELLITES: A SIMULATION-BASED APPROACH

The KUbeSat program at the University of Kansas (KU) is developing its second cube satellite, KUbeSat-2, featuring a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer as its primary payload to study Earth's upper atmosphere and the impact of solar activity on atmospheric composition. Designing a mass spectrometer for CubeSat applications requires careful consideration of multiple design parameters to achieve optimal performance within sizing constraints. This study analyzes the payload instrument's design, emphasizing parameter selection and dimension optimization through computational algorithms. The TOFSIM and SIMION simulations are subsequently used for comparative insights into instrument performance under various configurations. Ultimately, this research will contribute to enhance the design and performance of TOF mass spectrometers for small satellite missions.