IMAGE/HENA Initial Science Analysis and Future Directions
Pontus Brandt
Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
IMAGE was launched from Vandeberg AFB, California, the 25 March this year into a polar orbit with apogee 7 RE and perigee 1000 km. The line of apsides is inclined 40 deg. This presentation focuses on the High Energetic Neutral Atom (HENA) imager. The imager detects energetic neutral atoms (ENA) in the energy range 30-500 keV and can separate H, He and O. The geometrical factor is 0.0027 cm2 sr for a 3deg x 3deg pixel (highest resolution). This is the first high-resolution ENA imager dedicated to image the ring current and its temporal and spatial evolution. The over-all mission features will be discussed followed by an overview of the instrument and the science objectives. Lastly, if available, the first data will be shown and future plans and strategies of the analysis discussed.