The Topside Ionosphere Plasma Monitor (SSIE) for the Block 5D/Flight 2 DMSP Satellite
The Topside Ionosphere Plasma Monitor (SSIE) for the Block 5D/Flight 2 DMSP Satellite

Author: Michael Smiddy

Publisher:

Published: 1978

Total Pages: 40

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Topside Ionosphere Plasma Monitor (SSIE) is an operational system flown on the Block 5D F2 DMSP Satellite for transmission of continuous data on the state of the topside ionosphere. The instrument consists of separate electron and ion sensors mounted on a 2.5-ft boom deployed after spacecraft attitude has been stabilized in orbit. This report describes the two sensors, associated electronics, and their operational timelines. The theoretical basis is given for the measurement of a number of plasma parameters: electron temperature and density, ion density, average ion temperature and mean ion mass (for one or two ion species), spacecraft potential, and plasma scale height. (Author).

In-flight Characteristics of the Topside Ionospheric Monitor (SSIE) on the DMSP Satellite Flight 2 and Flight 4
In-flight Characteristics of the Topside Ionospheric Monitor (SSIE) on the DMSP Satellite Flight 2 and Flight 4

Author: F. Rich

Publisher:

Published: 1980

Total Pages: 30

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Topside Ionospheric Plasma Monitor (SSIE) has been successfully flown on the Block 5D DMSP satellites on Flight 2 and Flight 4. This report describes the value and the limitations of these data based on an analysis of in-flight data. The SSIE is useful for determining the relative variation of the plasma density along the orbit of the satellite on a nearly continuous basis from August 1977 to February 1980. Variations in plasma density due to daily and seasonal changes in the ionosphere can be determined. Variations due to geomagnetic storms and substorms can also be determined. The instrument is limited during daytime operations by a large negative potential caused by the solar panels. During daylight operations, thermal ions are accelerated toward the ion sensor and thermal electronics are deflected away. On F4, a series of four floating bias potentials between the instruments and the spacecraft ground was installed and has proven successful. These bias potentials will be used for SSIE instruments on Flights 5 through 7. Additional design changes for Flights 8 through 10 are discussed. A format for archived data types for Flights 5 through 7 is described.

The Precipitating Electron Detectors (SSJ/3) for the Block 5D/ Flights 2-5 DMSP Satellites
The Precipitating Electron Detectors (SSJ/3) for the Block 5D/ Flights 2-5 DMSP Satellites

Author: David A. Hardy

Publisher:

Published: 1979

Total Pages: 56

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In addition to weather monitoring devices, the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellites currently have on-board auroral imaging devices, precipitating electron detectors, and thermal plasma analyzers. Together these provide a strong tool for analyzing the high latitude, near earth, magnetospheric environment. The program is planned to continue into the 1980s. The precipitating electrons are measured in 16 energy channels spanning an energy of 50 eV to 20 keV. The data have the potential of providing real-time monitoring of auroral activity through oval boundary measurements. To facilitate the use of these data and to examine the feasibility of making consistent, reliable boundary measurements, this report has been prepared. It contains the following: a general description of the DMSP-F2 orbit, its variations in universal time and season, and the pertinence of these variations to boundary measurements, a description of the SSJ/3 pakcage, one of which is built for each of four DMSP satellites and the results of calibrating two of the instruments; a discussion of the way data is processed; a comparison of Northpole-Southpole passes during a magnetospherically quiet period and during an active period, and a discussion of the general features of the electron precipitation as they may be used to determine auroral boundaries.