Left panel: time-series plot of the SPAN-E mechanical attenuators being engaged in the first encounter. Top to bottom: attenuator Status, SPAN-Ae, Total Counts per accumulation period, SPAN-Ae (generated onboard instrument), Summed Energy Spectra for SPAN-Ae, Attenuator Status, SPAN-B, Total Counts per accumulation period, SPAN-B (generated onboard instrument), and Summed Energy Spectra for SPAN-B. The attenuator moves to the “In” position at approximately 0310, with ground software constructing an artificial increase in “background” electron flux thereafter. Right panel: single energy spectrum produced by SPAN-Ae before (blue) and after (red) the mechanical attenuator is engaged (same time period). An artificial increase in electron flux below approximately 25 eV is apparent.