Abstract
On January 14, 2005, the Relaxation Probe (RP) on the Huygens experiment measured the electrical conductivity in the lower atmosphere of Titan, the largest Saturnian satellite, from 140 km to 40 km of altitude. The Huygens experiment provided a unique opportunity to compare results from the Mutual Impedance Probe (MIP) with the Relaxation Probe (RP) sensor. A geometrical effect related to the size of the electrode and the Debye length of charged species was previously included in the data processing of the signals of the RP. Now, better theoretical estimations of the resistances, enable us to present critical remarks for the data processing of the RP and the different causes which may contaminate the data: a) the model of the RP, b) the fluid structure interaction, c) the stability of the reference potential of the gondola, d) the floating potential of the parachute or a balloon. It is hoped that our remarks will help future planetary or terrestrial missions.
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