The COMPASS-2 satellite and the ground-based LOIS vector sensing radar facility as novel tools for ionospheric plasma diagnostics

To give a more detailed and complete understanding of physical plasma processes that govern the solar–terrestrial space, and to develop qualitative and quantitative models of the magnetosphere–ionosphere–thermosphere coupling, it is necessary to design and build the next generation of instruments fo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of atmospheric and solar-terrestrial physics 2008-04, Vol.70 (6), p.926-936
Main Authors: Rothkaehl, H., Bergman, J.E.S., Thidé, B., Kłos, Z.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Fysik
HF wave in situ diagnostics
Ionosphere
NATURAL SCIENCES
NATURVETENSKAP
Physics
Physics of the ionosphere
Physics of the magnetosphere
Plasma turbulence
Vector radio radar
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Summary:To give a more detailed and complete understanding of physical plasma processes that govern the solar–terrestrial space, and to develop qualitative and quantitative models of the magnetosphere–ionosphere–thermosphere coupling, it is necessary to design and build the next generation of instruments for space diagnostics and monitoring. Novel ground-based wide-area sensor networks, such as the LOFAR Outrigger In Scandinavia (LOIS, LOFAR: Low Frequency Array) radar facility, comprising wide band, and vector-sensing radio receivers with full three-dimensional polarization coverage, and multi-spacecraft plasma diagnostics should help solve outstanding problems of space physics and describe long-term environmental changes. The new digital radio frequency analyzer (RFA) on board the low-orbiting COMPASS-2 satellite was designed to monitor and investigate the ionospheric plasma properties. This two-point ground-based and topside ionosphere-located space plasma diagnostic can be a useful new tool for monitoring and diagnosing turbulent plasma properties. The RFA on board the COMPASS-2 satellite is the first in a series of experiments which is planned to be launched into the near-Earth environment. The main purpose of this presentation is to describe new advanced diagnostic techniques of the near-Earth space plasma and point out the scientific challenges of the COMPASS-2 and LOIS experiments.
ISSN:1364-6826
1879-1824
1879-1824
DOI:10.1016/j.jastp.2007.05.016