Plasma waves are important observational targets for scientific missions investigating space plasma phenomena. Conventional plasma wave receivers have the disadvantages of a large size and a narrow dynamic range. We proposes a new receiver that overcomes the disadvantages of conventional receivers. The analog section of the new receiver was realized using application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technology in order to reduce the size, and an ASIC chip was successfully developed.

Investigations of Mars – its atmosphere, surface and interior – require simultaneous, distributed in situ measurements. We have developed an innovative prototype of the Mars Network Lander (MNL), a small lander/penetrator with a 20 % payload mass fraction. MNL features an innovative Entry, Descent and Landing System to increase reliability and reduce the system mass. It is ideally suited for piggy-backing on spacecraft, for network missions and pathfinders for high-value landed missions.

We developed a prototype of the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass spectrometer (NIM) of the Particle Environment Package (PEP) for the JUICE mission of ESA. NIM will be used to measure the chemical composition of the exospheres of the icy Jovian moons. The NIM prototype was successfully tested under realistic conditions and we find that the closed source behaves as expected within the JUICE mission phase velocities. No additional fragmentation of the species recorded with the closed source is observed.

We present the high-frequency properties of the eight electric field sensors as proposed to be launched on the spacecraft “RESONANCE” in the near future. Due to the close proximity of the conducting spacecraft body, the sensors (antennas) have complex receiving features and need to be well understood for an optimal mission and spacecraft design. In particular techniques like wave polarization analysis and incident direction finding depend crucially on the presented antenna characteristics.

COSIMA, an advanced TOF-SIMS instrument measuring the mass spectrum of dust grains collected at comet P67 by the ROSETTA spacecraft, is predicted to encounter complex mixtures of minerals and organic compounds. To extract information from this data set, we have developed a multivariate technique tested on laboratory measurements made by an identical instrument under controlled conditions. We have shown that minerals can be identified and separated with high level of confidence.