Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP)

The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) mission is a follow-up mission to the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission. Much larger than its predecessor, IMAP will explore many different aspects of Heliophysics. IMAP is equipped with a suite of 10 instruments designed to chronicle fundamental science about the origin of particles populating interplanetary space, as well as how they interact with one another. Most notably, IMAP will continue the work of IBEX measuring energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) originating at the outer reaches of our solar system, providing high resolution, full-sky ENA maps to help us understand how our solar system interacts with its surroundings. IMAP is expected to launch in 2024, where it will be placed at the L1 point directly between the Earth and the Sun.

Here at SwRI, we are developing and building the Compact Dual Ion Composition Experiment (CoDICE) instrument onboard IMAP. CoDICE is currently in the design and build phase, and it will be critical in determining the composition of the local interstellar medium as well as the acceleration mechanisms behind the high-energy tail of the solar wind.