For more information about this mission, click on the figure.

Technology Requirements

  • Ion convection and ion outflow imaging
  • High-sensitivity miniaturized optics
  • Miniature sensitive analog electronics

Societal Benefits

  • Improved understanding of processes relating
    to satellite drag/re-entry, communications, chemical
    transport
Science Objectives
  • Global conductivity distribution; electrical connections to solar wind/magnetosphere
  • Spatial and temporal scales for energy dissipation and transfer
  • Mechanisms for plasma circulation between upper atmosphere and magnetosphere

Mission Description

  • Two satellites, polar orbits
  • Combination of in-situ measurement and remote sensing
  • Energetic particle and magnetic field perturbations

Measurement Strategy

  • Image: ion and neutral circulation, currents, ion and neutral composition profiles, and ion upwelling signatures