The Polar Bear Ionospheric Experiments. A Pre-Launch Overview.
Abstract
Polar BEAR (Polar Beacon and Auroral Research) will carry three ionospheric experiments: (1) a beacon functionally identical to that on HiLat, (2) a three-axis vector magnetometer for detecting the satellite's attitude, and (3) an improved imager, the Auroral/Ionospheric Remote Sensor (AIRS). In addition to providing images of the aurora and airglow at four visual and vacuum ultraviolet wavelengths, AIRS will function as an ultraviolet spectrophotometer. Using AIRS in its imaging mode and receiving stations it will be possible to obtain images of essentially the entire auroral oval in broad daylight as well as in darkness. Polar BEAR is scheduled for launch into a nearly circular orbit near 1000 km altitude an 82 inclination. That orbit will afford a broad view for AIRS and many opportunities for coordinated observations of (1) scintillation using the beacons on both HiLat and Polar BEAR, (2) major current systems flowing between the ionosphere and magnetosphere using the magnetometers on both satellites, and (3) energetic electron precipitation and ambient plasma convection at 800 km altitude as recorded with HiLat's electron spectrometer and thermal-plasma monitor. These observations should contribute to further understanding of plasma instrumental to the development of density irregularities in the highly dynamic high latitude ionosphere.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 09, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA176337
Entities
People
- Edward J. Fremouw