Monitoring and Modeling of Space Weather Phenomena Using Novel Satellite Observations

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The ionosphere and thermosphere form the interface between the Earth’s atmosphere and the near-Earth space environment, as well as the operational environment for spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO). Ionospheric plasma can refract radio signals used for satellite navigation, thus producing one of the most significant positioning errors. Irregularities in ionospheric plasma distribution can cause diffraction and scintillation of trans-ionospheric radio signals, resulting in disruption of satellite communication and navigation service in severe cases. Air drag produced by motion through the neutral thermosphere is one of the largest orbit perturbations for LEO spacecraft, forming a constraint on satellite operations and mission lifetime. With the growing interest in the use of satellite constellations for Beyond 5G (B5G) communications networks, as well as the pervasiveness of Global Satellite Navigation Systems (GNSS) for positioning applications of increasing precision, understanding the effects of the ionosphere on satellite communications and the thermosphere on LEO operations is more important than ever.In this joint project, we will address these goals through joint analysis of satellite and ground observations pertaining to the occurrence, pre-conditions, and effects of ionospheric scintillation, as well as thermospheric effects on LEO orbit perturbations. Ionospheric observations from the Taiwan-US FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC-1, FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 and European Swarm satellite constellations, as well as the recently launched IDEASSat CubeSat from Taiwan will be used to examine ionospheric plasma bubbles, plasma distribution, electric fields, currents, and GNSS amplitude scintillation indices. Spacecraft ephemeris from the IDEASSat onboard GNSS receiver will be used to examine drag induced orbit perturbations, and to examine the feasibility of using increasingly common spaceborne GNSS receivers as a measurement of opportunity for thermospheric neutral density observations. This project leverages the longstanding expertise on both sides in understanding scintillation causing ionospheric irregularities, as well as in acquiring and processing thermosphere/ionosphere observations from the aforementioned Taiwan-US and European satellite platforms.