ICI-1: A new sounding rocket concept to observe micro-scale physics in the cusp ionosphere

J. Moen*, J. K. Bekkeng, A. Pedersen, J. G. Aase, H. De Feraudy, F. Søraas, T. A. Blix, M. Lester, S. E. Pryse

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Proceeding (Non-Journal item)

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The scientific aim of the ICI-1 sounding rocket - Investigation of Cusp Irregularities - is to identify the physical mechanism(s) in the cusp ionosphere that generates backscatter irregularities for coherent HF radars. The gradient drift instability is regarded as the dominant mode for producing backscatter targets under IMF BZ south conditions. [1] recently made an attempt to test the potential role of gradient drift instability by combining CUTLASS observations with tomographic imaging of the electron density distribution, but concluded that such a test would require experimental observations on much finer scales than can be achieved by ground-based and satellite measurements. Sounding rocket measurements with meter scale spatial resolution is needed to resolve this problem. ICI-1 will be launched into the cusp ionosphere above Svalbard in December 2003.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 16th ESA Symposium on European Rocket and Balloon Programmes and Related Research
Pages543-548
Number of pages6
Edition530
Publication statusPublished - 2003
EventProceedings of the 16th ESA Symposium on European Rocket and Balloon Programmes and Related Research - Sankt Gallen, Switzerland
Duration: 02 Jun 200305 Jun 2003

Publication series

NameEuropean Space Agency, (Special Publication) ESA SP
ISSN (Print)0379-6566

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the 16th ESA Symposium on European Rocket and Balloon Programmes and Related Research
Country/TerritorySwitzerland
CitySankt Gallen
Period02 Jun 200305 Jun 2003

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