CAREER: Self-Consistent Density Estimates from Accelerometers for Improved Understanding, Modeling, and Forecasting of Upper Atmosphere Variability

这项职业奖支持西弗吉尼亚大学(UWV)的一项研究，该研究旨在通过开发对活跃卫星和空间碎片的轨道衰减预测能力来加强对高层大气可变性的理解、建模和预测。在过去的二十年里，高精度、高分辨率的加速度计质量密度估计一直是高层大气密度科学调查和建模工作的主力。然而，目前用于根据测量的大气阻力确定密度的气体-表面相互作用(GSI)的有限知识导致了模型结果的不自洽。迭代过程可以解决这种不一致性，但这一要求会使本已复杂的过程复杂化，并且可能在计算上具有挑战性。该奖项旨在通过开发全态(成分、温度、风)降阶模式(ROM)并直接同化阻力加速测量以同时估计GSI效应和热层参数来解决这一矛盾。利用这些估计参数，所开发的GSI模型将用于全面调查中性密度对地磁风暴的空间和时间响应，并将成为推动科学和业务的宝贵资源。准确的轨道预测可以为决策提供更多信心，增强人类在太空中的安全，并有助于长期保护空间环境。这一职业奖将通过针对农村第一代阿巴拉契亚学生和K-12教师的举措，支持水利厅的空间科学教育。该奖项将支持在研究和教育推广活动中培训两名研究生和多名本科生。一门名为“空间物理和空间系统”的新课程将被引入机械和航空工程课程。在该奖项的支持下，研究将实现以物理为基础的高层大气密度模型的只读存储器的开发，扩大其在科学和操作中的作用。该光盘将使利用卫星上的加速度测量得出密度估计值的过程变得更加自洽，并将为中性密度对地磁风暴的时间和空间反应提供新的见解。它还将帮助运营商为轨道预测、碰撞避免和空间环境可持续发展推进卫星阻力的准确建模。该奖项反映了NSF的法定任务，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This CAREER award supports a study at the University of West Virginia (UWV) designed to enhance the understanding, modeling, and forecasting of upper atmosphere variability by developing an orbital decay prediction capability for active satellites and space debris. High precision, high resolution accelerometer-derived mass density estimates have been the workhorse of scientific investigations and modeling efforts for the upper atmosphere density over the past two decades. However, the current limited knowledge of Gas-Surface Interaction (GSI) used in the density determination based upon measured atmospheric drag has the consequence that model results are not self-consistent. An iterative process can address this inconsistency, but this requirement complicates an already complex process and can be computationally challenging. The award is aimed at resolving this inconsistency through the development of a full-state (composition, temperature, winds) reduced order model (ROM) and directly assimilating drag acceleration measurements to simultaneously estimate the GSI effects and thermosphere parameters. Using these estimated parameters, the developed GSI model would be used to comprehensively investigate the spatial and temporal response of neutral density to geomagnetic storms and would serve as an invaluable resource for advancing science and operations. Accurate orbit predictions can provide more confidence in decision-making, enhance the safety of humans in space and facilitate long-term preservation of the space environment. This CAREER award would support the UWA space science education through initiatives targeted at rural, first-generation, Appalachian students and K-12 teachers. The award would support the training of two graduate and multiple undergraduate students in both research and educational outreach activities. A new course called “Space Physics and Space Systems” would be introduced into the mechanical and aeronautical engineering curriculum.The research supported by this award would achieve the development of a ROM for physics-based upper atmosphere density models, expanding its role in science and operations. The ROM would make the process of deriving densities estimates using measurements of acceleration on-board satellites become more self-consistent and would provide new insights into the temporal and spatial response of the neutral density to geomagnetic storms. It would also help operators advance accurate modeling of satellite drag for orbit prediction, collision avoidance and space environment sustainability.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.