A multi-satellite survey scheme for addressing open questions on the Earth’s outer radiation belt dynamics

Abstract

The Earth’s outer radiation belt is highly dynamic, containing relativistic electron fluxes that can increase by several orders of magnitude during magnetospheric disturbances. This greatly increases the likelihood of spacecraft malfunction or failure and significantly influences the solar-terrestrial system’s energy and mass coupling, highlighting the importance of fully understanding the mechanisms governing these dynamics from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Although many theories have been proposed, further research is essential to quantify the specific contributions of different dynamic mechanisms for improving space weather forecasting. To address this, observations of the outer radiation belt with high spatial–temporal resolution to distinguish the spatial and temporal variations are essential. We introduce a 10-CubeSat constellation survey scheme in the geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) to achieve this required observation. Three baseline instruments are proposed to be employed: the high energy electron detector (HEED), the search coil wave detector (SCWD), and the magnetometer (MAG). Two groups of physical processes will be investigated: wave-particle interactions involving charged particles interacting with whistler-mode waves, electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves, and ultra-low frequency (ULF) waves; and radial transport encompassing shock-induced injections, substorm injections, storm convection and magnetopause shadowing. The performance parameters of instruments and platform of the constellation are presented. Additionally, aligned with the concept of constellation survey, we outline the COSPAR-coordinated space program, COnstellation of Radiation BElt Survey (CORBES), which will provide a crucial scientific contribution in the absence of the Van Allen Probes. The program’s excellent observational capability enables a comprehensive understanding of the underlying physical mechanisms governing the outer radiation belt dynamics and improved space weather forecasting.