Space instruments to unveil multiscale couplings in the Earth´s upper atmosphere
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | KUNGLIGA TEKNISKA HÖGSKOLAN - KTH EES |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 098 566 |
| Project duration | January 2017 - June 2018 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The project focused on the instrumental and scientific developments related with Earth´s upper-atmosphere. This included development of Meteor Smoke Particle detectors flown in the mesosphere, calibration of the CCDs for the MATS satellite to observe airglow and noctilucent clouds in the mesosphere and rocket-borne plasma probes for studying auroras. All projects are completed or within schedule as expected.
Expected results and effects
The project is directly linked to the overall success of the Swedish space program by contributing to national sounding rocket project (SPIDER) and satellite (MATS). Collaboration with the IAP in Germany also opened the door for joined sounding rocket campaign. As a matter of fact, IAP´s instruments will be part of the SPIDER reflight in 2020. Scientifically, SPIDER results demonstrated the possibility of multipoint in-situ plasma measurement inside an aurora, which is an important advance in ionospheric plasma research.
Planned approach and implementation
Due to delays in some projects (PMWE rocket campaign postponed from Autumn 2017 to April 2018, delays in the MATS activities), the initial schedule had to be adapted. The postponing of the PMWE launch led to short time for the data analysis within the VINNOVA project, but is currently ongoing and will be continued by the fellow.