Solar wind electron temperature and density measurements for the Solar Orbiter using the thermal noise spectroscopy

The measurement of the solar wind electron temperature (Te) radial profile in the unexplored region between I and 45 R, is of prime importance for kinetic and thermally driven solar wind models. Solar Orbiter's location, combined with its ability to observe the corona in co-rotation, will furnish strong observational constraints on solar wind models. We discuss the implementation of the plasma thermal noise analysis for the Solar Orbiter, in order (i) to get accurate measurements of the total electron density and core electron temperature and (ii) to allow direct determination of the spacecraft charging effects which affect the electron analyzers.