A Feasibility Study for a Remotely Controlled, Low-power- consumption Scanning Electron Microscope Suitable for Space Applications

Experiments and instruments for operation in and on small satellites are constrained by the volume, weight, power, and ruggedness requirements of the satellite design and structure. It is anticipated that increasing numbers of "laboratory" style experiments will be performed in space. An application of current interest is the in-space observation of material surfaces exposed to the space environment. One such instrument for possible small satellite flight operational use, is a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The design factors and parameters of such an SEM, as well as the trade-offs and instrument limitations, will be discussed. The electronic control and image relay requirements will be presented. This study shows that by choosing the proper design for an SEM, this instrument could be a valuable and useful tool to be flown on a small satellite.