The Topside Ionosphere Plasma Monitor (SSIE) for the Block 5D/Flight 2 DMSP Satellite.

Abstract

The Topside Ionosphere Plasma Monitor (SSIE) is an operational system flown on the Block 5D F2 DMSP Satellite for transmission of continuous data on the state of the topside ionosphere. The instrument consists of separate electron and ion sensors mounted on a 2.5-ft boom deployed after spacecraft attitude has been stabilized in orbit. This report describes the two sensors, associated electronics, and their operational timelines. The theoretical basis is given for the measurement of a number of plasma parameters: electron temperature and density, ion density, average ion temperature and mean ion mass (for one or two ion species), spacecraft potential, and plasma scale height. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 22, 1978
Accession Number
ADA058503

Entities

People

  • M. Smiddy
  • P. Anderson
  • P. J. L. Wildman
  • R. C. Sagalyn
  • W. P. Sullivan

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Amplifiers
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Reduction
  • Digital Data
  • Electron Density
  • Electronics
  • Electrons
  • Flags
  • Ion Density
  • Measurement
  • Meteorological Satellites
  • Orbits
  • Spacecraft
  • Telemetry
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Satellites