Bistatic Observations of the Ionosphere with SuperDARN Radars
Abstract
Space systems that depend on the propagation of radio waves in the ionosphere are vulnerable to disruption owing to space weather variability of ionospheric plasma. The HF coherent radars of SuperDARN utilize refraction in the ionosphere to achieve over-the-horizon (OTH) capabilities in the pursuit of space science and technical goals. To date, the dozens of radars of SuperDARN have operated exclusively in monostatic mode. With this project SuperDARN groups at Virginia Tech and Dartmouth College have developed a bistatic capability that allows a radar in Oregon to receive the transmissions of a radar in Kansas. Numerous 3-day bistatic campaigns have been conducted over a period extending from September 2019 to March 2020. Three distinct bistatic propagation modes have been identified direct mode, bistatic ground scatter mode, and bistatic ionospheric scatter mode. Ray tracing analysis validates the mode identification and demonstrates that with bistatic operation many more propagation paths become available for sensing the state of the ionosphere.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 07, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1192168
Entities
People
- J. M. Ruohoniemi
- Simon Shepherd