Bayesian Model for HOPE Mass Spectrometers on Van Allen Probes. Issue 3 (24th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vira, A. D.; Larsen, B. A.; Skoug, R. M.; Fernandes, P. A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 126:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-02-24
• Subjects: Magnetospheric physics -- Periodicals; Space environment -- Periodicals; Cosmic physics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Atmospheres -- Periodicals; Heliosphere (Astrophysics) -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 523.01
• DOI: 10.1029/2020JA028862
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9380

Abstract

Abstract: Space instruments rely heavily on modeling to predict and understand the instrument response, enabling a determination of the capabilities and resolution. The Bayesian approach provides a framework to incorporate prior knowledge and propagate uncertainty to predict the instrument response. We present an empirical Bayes model for the end‐to‐end performance of the Helium, Oxygen, Proton, and Electron mass spectrometers aboard the Van Allen Probes mission. In this model, we use a combination of external modeling, laboratory calibration, and expert opinion to construct the time‐of‐flight spectra and demonstrate good agreement with on‐orbit data. The empirical Bayes model is applied to explore doubly charged ions and carbon, nitrogen, oxygen discrimination during the Van Allen Probes mission. Key Points: Created an empirical Bayes model of the Helium, Oxygen, Proton, and Electron (HOPE) mass spectrometers using external simulation results as precomputed inputs to the model The posterior predictive time‐of‐flight (TOF) distributions from the Bayesian model compare well with observed HOPE TOF spectra The Bayes model is applied to address pressing questions in the space physics community of doubly charged particles and nitrogen ions