The COMPASS-2 satellite and the ground-based LOIS vector sensing radar facility as novel tools for ionospheric plasma diagnostics

• Published in: Journal of atmospheric and solar-terrestrial physics Vol. 70; no. 6; pp. 926 - 936
• Main Authors: Rothkaehl, H., Bergman, J.E.S., Thidé, B., Kłos, Z.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2008; Elsevier
• Subjects: Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; External geophysics; Fysik; HF wave in situ diagnostics; Ionosphere; NATURAL SCIENCES; NATURVETENSKAP; Physics; Physics of the ionosphere; Physics of the magnetosphere; Plasma turbulence; Vector radio radar; Scandinavia; Europe; Plasma turbulence; Vector radio radar; Ionosphere; HF wave in situ diagnostics; models; Ionosphere magnetosphere coupling; Long term variation; monitoring; Ionosphere thermosphere interaction; Turbulent plasma; Wide band; Plasma diagnostic; polarization; Ionospheric plasma
• ISSN: 1364-6826; 1879-1824; 1879-1824
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jastp.2007.05.016

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.