Space Weather & Physics
Topside Sounder
Benefits
The proposed topside sounder makes primary measurements of the electron density distributions covering most of the ionosphere, throughout the world and for various solar and geophysical conditions. In SAR mode, it can precisely map ionospheric irregularities. This will:
- Provide electron densities and temperatures to validate theoretical models and contribute to empirical models of the ionosphere.
- Validate density distributions derived from such indirect techniques as model inversion of satellite EUV measurements, tomographic inversion of total-electron content (TEC) or integrated column densities from ground-based observations of satellite beacons.
- Provide inputs for assimilative ionospheric forecast models.
- Improve performance of GPS systems because of measured plasmaspheric TEC.
- Globally map ionospheric parameters, including electron densities and electron temperatures, hence plasma scale heights, for scientific research and operational systems.
- Allow monitoring of seismo-ionospheric events for earthquakes and nuclear explosions.
- Precisely map irregularities, tilts, and ionospheric anomalies, facilitating the understanding and prediction of scintillations and other satellite communication issues.
- Provide superior understanding of anomalous radio propagation through ducting, z-mode, around-the-world propagation, sporadic-E, and scatter propagation.
- Measure plasma resonances near the spacecraft, precisely measure magnetic fields, and diagnose the response of the topside ionosphere to HF modification experiments.
- Provide a HF test-bed for sophisticated experiments in the ionosphere.
- Test technology for diverse areas of communications, radar, space exploration, and related areas.
