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 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.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

ionosphere

HF wave in situ diagnostics

vector radio radar

plasma turbulence

Physics

Fysik

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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