S3-3 ONR-118 Data Analysis.
Abstract
This report describes results of the ONR-118 instrument flown on the S3-3 satellite launched in July 1976 into a near polar orbit with apogee of 8,000 km. The instrument measured ion composition in the energy range E/Q = 0.5-16. keV/e, and electron fluxes in four bands between .07-24. keV. Principal results in the period of this contract addressed the acceleration of ionospheric ions and their trapping in the magnetosphere; the observation of narrow electron beams; and the characterization and modeling of auroral acceleration region. Energetic ions were observed resulting from both quasistatic electric fields and mass dependent transverse acceleration. Properties of ion outflow were examined as a function of latitude, local time, altitude, magnetic activity, and solar cycle phase. Electron beams were observed closely clustered in latitude with upflowing ions, and with apparent source location at altitudes at or above 1 RE. In the case of counterstreaming electrons, observations implied a source in multiple flickering double layers. The distributions of different ion species have been used in studies of wave growth stability and wave particle interactions, the morphology and dynamics of auroral processes, and the transport processes involved in magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. (Author).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 31, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA149725
Entities
People
- A. G. Ghielmetti
- E. G. Shelley
- H. L. Collin
- R. D. Sharp
- R. G. Johnson
Organizations
- Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space