Simulating the outer radiation belt during space weather events (SORBS)
Abstract
There are over 1,600 satellites on orbit and approximately half of these are located in geostationary orbit some 36,000 km above the Earth’s surface. Each of these spacecraft has to be shielded against penetrating radiation to enable safe and continuous operation. Violent eruptions on the Sun can trigger large geomagnetic storms lasting for days which can increase radiation levels around the satellites. In particular, they increase the number of high energy electrons in the Earth’s radiation belts which cause satellite charging. These so called space weather events pose a risk of damage to satellites which in the past has led to temporary service outage and in exceptional cases satellite loss. To help develop better mitigation measures and forecasting capabilities we need to understand the basic physical processes that control the variability of the electron radiation belts. In this proposal we will study the processes that govern the acceleration and loss of high energy electrons in the radiation belts. We will develop new wave models based on satellite observations and test them in global simulations to determine the conditions under which electrons can be accelerated to the highest energies. We will develop improved models of the outer boundary of the geomagnetic field and use them in global simulations to study losses. Finally we will simulate several space weather events and calculate the amount of satellite charging for a typical satellite in geostationary orbit and try to assess the amount of shielding that would be required for safe operation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95501917039
Entities
People
- Richard B. Horne
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- UK Research and Innovation
- United States Air Force