Energization And Radiation In Geospace Research Articles

A Brief Introduction of Current and Future Magnetospheric Missions

In this paper, I briefly introduce recently terminated, current, and future scientific spacecraft missions for in situ and remote-sensing observations of Earth’s and other planetary magnetospheres as of February 2023. The spacecraft introduced here are Geotail, Cluster, Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms / Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence, and Electrodynamics of the Moon’s Interaction with the Sun (THEMIS / ARTEMIS), Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS), Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG), Cusp Plasma Imaging Detector (CuPID), and EQUilibriUm Lunar-Earth point 6U Spacecraft (EQUULEUS) for recently terminated or currently operated missions for Earth’s magnetosphere; Lunar Environment Heliospheric X-ray Imager (LEXI), Gateway, Solar wind Magneto-sphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE), HelioSwarm, Solar-Terrestrial Observer for the Response of the Magnetosphere (STORM), Geostationary Transfer Orbit Satellite (GTOSat), GEOspace X-ray imager (GEO-X), Plasma Observatory, Magnetospheric Constellation (MagCon), self-Adaptive Magnetic reconnection Explorer (AME), and COnstellation of Radiation BElt Survey (CORBES) approved for launch or proposed for future missions for Earth’s magnetosphere; BepiColombo for Mercury and Juno for Jupiter for current missions for planetary magnetospheres; Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) and Europa Clipper for Jupiter, Uranus Orbiter and Probe (UOP) for Uranus, and Neptune Odyssey for Neptune approved for launch or proposed for future missions for planetary magnetospheres. I discuss the recent trend and future direction of spacecraft missions as well as remaining challenges in magnetospheric research. I hope this paper will be a handy guide to the current status and trend of magnetospheric missions.

Characterization and Calibration of High‐Energy Electron Instruments Onboard the Arase Satellite

AbstractThis study investigates the characterization and calibration of the high‐energy electron experiments (HEP) instrument onboard the exploration of energization and radiation in geospace (ERG). Two detector modules, HEP‐L and HEP‐H, which employ stacks of multichannel silicon strip detectors, detect electrons in the energy ranges of 70 keV–1 MeV and 700 keV–2 MeV, respectively. The detector response to electron irradiation needs to be assessed to obtain accurate electron fluxes from these detectors. In this study, we perform Monte Carlo simulations using the Geant4 particle simulation tool to reconstruct incident electron fluxes from detected count rates. Based on the simulation results, we investigate the response characteristics of the detectors when electrons with a certain range of energy are irradiated onto them. A response function is constructed by combining the simulation results for different incident energies. A response matrix is calculated by binning the response function according to the energy channels of the detector, and an inverse matrix derived from the response matrix is used to calibrate the observational data. Compared with the data obtained from another electron instrument onboard the Arase satellite (MEP‐e), whose energy range overlaps with that of the HEP, the differential flux data for the overlapping energy range (85–95 keV) are consistent with each other. The basic characteristics of the HEP detectors are thus confirmed to provide well‐calibrated data.

Exploration of energization and radiation in geospace (ERG): challenges, development, and operation of satellite systems

The exploration of energization and radiation in geospace (ERG) satellite, nicknamed “Arase,” is the second satellite in a series of small scientific satellites created by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. It was launched on December 20, 2016, by the Epsilon launch vehicle. The purpose of the ERG project is to investigate how high-energy (over MeV) electrons in the radiation belts surrounding Earth are generated and lost by monitoring the interactions between plasma waves and electrically charged particles. To measure these physical processes in situ, the ERG satellite traverses the heart of the radiation belts. The orbit of the ERG is highly elliptical and varies due to the perturbation force: the apogee altitude is approximately 32,200–32,300 km, and the perigee altitude is 340–440 km. In this study, we introduce the scientific background for this project and four major challenges that need to be addressed to effectively carry out this scientific mission with a small satellite: (1) dealing with harsh environmental conditions in orbit and electromagnetic compatibility issues, (2) spin attitude stabilization and avoiding excitation of the libration by flexible structures, (3) attaining an appropriate balance between the mission requirements and the limited resources of the small satellite, and (4) the adaptation and use of a flexible standardized bus. In this context, we describe the development process and the flight operations for the satellite, which is currently working as designed and obtaining excellent data in its mission.

Geospace exploration project ERG

The Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) project explores the acceleration, transport, and loss of relativistic electrons in the radiation belts and the dynamics for geospace storms. This project consists of three research teams for satellite observation, ground-based network observation, and integrated data analysis/simulation. This synergetic approach is essential for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the relativistic electron generation/loss processes of the radiation belts as well as geospace storms through cross-energy/cross-regional couplings, in which different plasma/particle populations and regions are strongly coupled with each other. This paper gives an overview of the ERG project and presents the initial results from the ERG (Arase) satellite.

The Plasma Wave Experiment (PWE) on board the Arase (ERG) satellite

The Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) project aims to study acceleration and loss mechanisms of relativistic electrons around the Earth. The Arase (ERG) satellite was launched on December 20, 2016, to explore in the heart of the Earth’s radiation belt. In the present paper, we introduce the specifications of the Plasma Wave Experiment (PWE) on board the Arase satellite. In the inner magnetosphere, plasma waves, such as the whistler-mode chorus, electromagnetic ion cyclotron wave, and magnetosonic wave, are expected to interact with particles over a wide energy range and contribute to high-energy particle loss and/or acceleration processes. Thermal plasma density is another key parameter because it controls the dispersion relation of plasma waves, which affects wave–particle interaction conditions and wave propagation characteristics. The DC electric field also plays an important role in controlling the global dynamics of the inner magnetosphere. The PWE, which consists of an orthogonal electric field sensor (WPT; wire probe antenna), a triaxial magnetic sensor (MSC; magnetic search coil), and receivers named electric field detector (EFD), waveform capture and onboard frequency analyzer (WFC/OFA), and high-frequency analyzer (HFA), was developed to measure the DC electric field and plasma waves in the inner magnetosphere. Using these sensors and receivers, the PWE covers a wide frequency range from DC to 10 MHz for electric fields and from a few Hz to 100 kHz for magnetic fields. We produce continuous ELF/VLF/HF range wave spectra and ELF range waveforms for 24 h each day. We also produce spectral matrices as continuous data for wave direction finding. In addition, we intermittently produce two types of waveform burst data, “chorus burst” and “EMIC burst.” We also input raw waveform data into the software-type wave–particle interaction analyzer (S-WPIA), which derives direct correlation between waves and particles. Finally, we introduce our PWE observation strategy and provide some initial results.

High-energy electron experiments (HEP) aboard the ERG (Arase) satellite

This paper reports the design, calibration, and operation of high-energy electron experiments (HEP) aboard the exploration of energization and radiation in geospace (ERG) satellite. HEP detects 70 keV–2 MeV electrons and generates a three-dimensional velocity distribution for these electrons in every period of the satellite’s rotation. Electrons are detected by two instruments, namely HEP-L and HEP-H, which differ in their geometric factor (G-factor) and range of energies they detect. HEP-L detects 70 keV–1 MeV electrons and its G-factor is 9.3 × 10−4 cm2 sr at maximum, while HEP-H observes 0.7–2 MeV electrons and its G-factor is 9.3 × 10−3 cm2 sr at maximum. The instruments utilize silicon strip detectors and application-specific integrated circuits to readout the incident charge signal from each strip. Before the launch, we calibrated the detectors by measuring the energy spectra of all strips using γ-ray sources. To evaluate the overall performance of the HEP instruments, we measured the energy spectra and angular responses with electron beams. After HEP was first put into operation, on February 2, 2017, it was demonstrated that the instruments performed normally. HEP began its exploratory observations with regard to energization and radiation in geospace in late March 2017. The initial results of the in-orbit observations are introduced briefly in this paper.

Medium-energy particle experiments\u2014electron analyzer (MEP-e) for the exploration of energization and radiation in geospace (ERG) mission

The medium-energy particle experiments—electron analyzer onboard the exploration of energization and radiation in geospace spacecraft measures the energy and direction of each incoming electron in the energy range of 7–87 keV. The sensor covers a 2π-radian disklike field of view with 16 detectors, and the full solid angle coverage is achieved through the spacecraft’s spin motion. The electron energy is independently measured by both an electrostatic analyzer and avalanche photodiodes, enabling significant background reduction. We describe the technical approach, data output, and examples of initial observations.

Theory, modeling, and integrated studies in the Arase (ERG) project

Understanding of underlying mechanisms of drastic variations of the near-Earth space (geospace) is one of the current focuses of the magnetospheric physics. The science target of the geospace research project Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) is to understand the geospace variations with a focus on the relativistic electron acceleration and loss processes. In order to achieve the goal, the ERG project consists of the three parts: the Arase (ERG) satellite, ground-based observations, and theory/modeling/integrated studies. The role of theory/modeling/integrated studies part is to promote relevant theoretical and simulation studies as well as integrated data analysis to combine different kinds of observations and modeling. Here we provide technical reports on simulation and empirical models related to the ERG project together with their roles in the integrated studies of dynamic geospace variations. The simulation and empirical models covered include the radial diffusion model of the radiation belt electrons, GEMSIS-RB and RBW models, CIMI model with global MHD simulation REPPU, GEMSIS-RC model, plasmasphere thermosphere model, self-consistent wave–particle interaction simulations (electron hybrid code and ion hybrid code), the ionospheric electric potential (GEMSIS-POT) model, and SuperDARN electric field models with data assimilation. ERG (Arase) science center tools to support integrated studies with various kinds of data are also briefly introduced.

Method for direct detection of pitch angle scattering of energetic electrons caused by whistler mode chorus emissions

AbstractThe Wave‐Particle Interaction Analyzer (WPIA), a new instrument proposed by Fukuhara et al. (2009), measures the relative phase angle between the wave magnetic field vector and the velocity vector of each particle and calculates the energy exchange from waves to particles. In this study, we expand its applicability by proposing a method of using the WPIA to directly detect pitch angle scattering of resonant particles by plasma waves by calculating the g values. The g value is defined as the accumulation value of the Lorentz force acting on each particle and indicates the lost momentum of waves. We apply the proposed method to the results of a one‐dimensional electron hybrid simulation reproducing the generation of whistler mode chorus emissions around the magnetic equator. Using the wave and particle data obtained at fixed observation points assumed in the simulation system, we conduct a pseudo‐observation of the simulation result using the WPIA and analyze the g values. Our analysis yielded significant values indicating the strong pitch angle scattering for electrons in the kinetic energy and pitch angle ranges satisfying the cyclotron resonance condition with the reproduced chorus emissions. The results of this study demonstrate that the proposed method enables us to directly and quantitatively identify the location at which pitch angle scattering occurs in the simulation system and that the method can be applied to the results of space‐based observations by the forthcoming Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) satellite.

Evaluation of waveform data processing in Wave-Particle Interaction Analyzer

The Wave-Particle Interaction Analyzer (WPIA) is a software function installed on the Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) satellite. The WPIA directly measures the quantity of energy transfer between whistler-mode chorus waves and resonant energetic electrons by using plasma wave vectors and velocity vectors of plasma particles. The phase differences of the WPIA require accurate phase angles of waves and electrons in order to statistically evaluate the significance of the quantity of energy transfer. We propose a technical method for efficient waveform processing in order to conduct the WPIA measurement precisely. In the WPIA measurement, the various waves detected by the onboard instrument appear as noise in the calculation of the quantity of energy transfer for whistler-mode chorus waves. The characteristic frequency variation of the chorus waves makes waveform processing difficult. A chorus waveform is used for the WPIA processing through passband filtering by selecting appropriate data processing length and frequency resolution. We implement overlapping processing of wave data in order to reduce the induced error of the wave phase. The results of waveform processing indicate that the phase errors are successfully reduced and statistical fluctuations are suppressed. The proposed waveform processing method is a necessary and applicative processing for the calculations of the WPIA in the ERG mission.

An integrated analysis platform merging SuperDARN data within the THEMIS tool developed by ERG-ScienceCenter (ERG-SC)

The Energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) mission seeks to explore the dynamics of the radiation belts in theEarth’s inner magnetosphere with a space-borne probe (ERG satellite) in coordination with related ground observations and simulations/modeling studies. For this mission, the Science Center of the ERG project (ERG-SC) will provide a useful data analysisplatform based on the THEMIS Data Analysis software Suite (TDAS), which has been widely used by researchers in many conjunctionstudies of the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) spacecraft and grounddata. To import SuperDARN data to this highly useful platform, ERG-SC, in close collaboration with SuperDARN groups, developedthe Common Data Format (CDF) design suitable for fitacf data and has prepared an open database of SuperDARN data archivedin CDF. ERG-SC has also been developing programs written in Interactive Data Language (IDL) to load fitacf CDF filesand to generate various kinds of plots.not only range-time-intensity-type plots but also two-dimensional map plots that can besuperposed with other data, such as all-sky images of THEMIS-GBO and orbital footprints of various satellites. The CDF-TDASscheme developed by ERG-SC will make it easier for researchers who are not familiar with SuperDARN data to access and analyzeSuperDARN data and thereby facilitate collaborative studies with satellite data, such as the inner magnetosphere data providedby the ERG (Japan).RBSP (USA).THEMIS (USA) fleet.

State of the art in radiation belt research

AGU Chapman Conference on Dynamics of the Earth's Radiation Belts and Inner Magnetosphere; St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, 17–22 July 2011 Earth's radiation belts were discovered by James Van Allen and colleagues in 1958 using data from the Explorer I satellite. Since then, the Van Allen belts have been under extensive theoretical and experimental investigation. Because highly energetic (relativistic) electrons generated in the outer radiation zone during geomagnetically disturbed times can damage orbiting satellites, Earth's radiation belts are regarded as a serious space weather hazard. The emerging science of space weather has fueled a resurgence of interest in radiation belt physics in the past 10 years. This will culminate in 2012 with the launch of NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) twin satellite mission, which will make in situ measurements of the radiation belts. Shortly after 2012 are also planned launches of the Japanese Energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) satellite and the Russian mission RESONANCE, both designed to probe Earth's radiation belts. Thus, 2012–2013 promises to be an exciting and pivotal period in radiation belt science.

Erratum: Geospace Exploration Mission: ERG Project

This paper describes a small-satellite mission for geospace exploration ERG (Energization and Radiation in Geospace) that aims at understanding the acceleration process of relativistic electrons and dynamical variations of the space storm. The project consists of not only the satellite mission but also ground-based observations and integrated studies/simulation teams. The satellite will be launched into the inner magnetosphere around the next solar maximum. In efforts to understand the cross-energy coupling process that is essential to generate relativistic electrons and the dynamical evolution of space storms, the satellite is equipped with instruments for comprehensively observing plasma/particles, fields and waves. Possible international collaborations are also discussed in this paper.

Radiation Belt Storm Probes: A New Mission for Space Weather Forecasting

Radiation Belt Storm Probes: A New Mission for Space Weather Forecasting

ERG – A small-satellite mission to investigate the dynamics of the inner magnetosphere

The Earth’s inner magnetosphere (inside 10 Re) is a region where particle energy increases to the relativistic energy range. This region is very important as a laboratory where high-energy particle acceleration can be directly measured in a dipolar field configuration, as well as for human activities in space including space weather prediction. Despite abundant in situ satellite measurements, this region has been “missing” because of several difficulties arising from the measurements, such as high-energy particle contamination of low-energy particle measurement, protection against the possible incidence of radiation belt particles on the satellite, and the difficulties of measuring three-dimensional particles over a broad energy range, from a few electron volts to more than 10 MeV. In this paper, we address important scientific topics and propose a possible configuration of small satellites termed Energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG), which would provide new insights into the dynamics of the inner magnetosphere and strongly contribute to the International Living With a Star project.