Monitor of ionospheric data through single point of entry

Science missions: regional, global monitoring Propagation: HF/VHF, anomalous radio, transionospheric Scintillation Transionospheric communication Ionospheric effects and surveillance: seismic activity, explosions, lightning

Flexible, a flying HF/VHF bus Receive-only mode: monitor emissions, noise Transmit-only mode: jam, communicate Communication mode: bent pipe Space Radar (SAR imaging) mode: ocean waves, ground conductivity, underground imaging, foliage penetration, ocean surface wind

Ionospheric electron density distributions with height, latitude, longitude, and time under different conditions are essential for scientific, technical, and operational purposes. A satellite-based swept-frequency HF sounder can obtain electron density profiles on a global scale. We have developed an improved HF sounder, using recent developments in technology, electronics and processing capabilities. This will provide electron density distributions, contours of fixed densities, maps of foF2, and hmax on a global scale. It will let users map irregularities, estimate anomalous propagation, find conditions for ducting, and determine angle of arrivals. It can perform various plasma diagnostics. Users can program the flexible system from the ground up to perform a variety of experiments in the space. Needs for such a system exist throughout the DoD and through several civilian agencies.