1. The mission will study the Earth's ionosphere-thermosphere system at the poles.
The ionosphere-thermosphere system is the uppermost part of the Earth's atmosphere, where solar radiation ionizes atoms and molecules, creating free electrons and ions. This system is important for a number of reasons, including:
- It helps to protect the Earth from harmful solar radiation.
- It plays a role in weather and climate.
- It can affect satellite communications and GPS signals.
2. The mission will use two small satellites, called Ion-PICs, to collect data.
The Ion-PICs (Ionospheric Plasma and Circuit) satellites are small satellites, each weighing about 125 pounds (57 kilograms). They will be launched into low Earth orbit, where they will orbit the Earth from pole to pole.
The Ion-PICs satellites will be equipped with a variety of instruments to collect data about the ionosphere-thermosphere system, including:
- Ion mass spectrometers to measure the composition of the ions in the atmosphere.
- Langmuir probes to measure the density and temperature of the electrons in the atmosphere.
- Magnetometers to measure the magnetic field in the atmosphere.
- Radio receivers to measure the effects of the ionosphere on radio waves.
3. The mission will provide new insights into the Earth's ionosphere-thermosphere system at the poles.
The Ion-PICs mission will provide new insights into the Earth's ionosphere-thermosphere system at the poles, including:
- How the ionosphere-thermosphere system responds to changes in solar activity.
- How the ionosphere-thermosphere system affects weather and climate.
- How the ionosphere-thermosphere system can affect satellite communications and GPS signals.
4. The mission will last for two years.
The Ion-PICs mission is expected to last for two years. During that time, the satellites will collect data about the ionosphere-thermosphere system at the poles.
5. The mission is a collaboration between NASA and the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
The Ion-PICs mission is a collaboration between NASA and the Finnish Meteorological Institute. NASA is providing the funding for the mission, while the Finnish Meteorological Institute is providing the satellites and ground support.
