AbstractThe Ionosphere Sounding Satellite-b (ISS-b) launched in February 1978 is successfully performing the mission observations which provide the information of electron distributions in the ionospheric F layer, the radio noise and the plasma parameters in a global scale in order to monitor the electro-magnetic environment of the Earth as well as to promote the efficient use of the radio spectrum.In addition to the brief description of satellite-borne mission apparatuses, this paper describes the operation of the satellite including the pass assignment suitable for measurements of the global distribution of miscellaneous quantities.Experimental results obtained from the following four mission observations are also presented: (1) Topside sounding of the ionosphere (TOP mission) has made it possible to map the ionospheric F layer critical frequency (foF2) on a global basis. Five sets of foF2 global maps, two of which are representative of autumn (centered in October 1978) and winter (centered in January 1979) respectively, have been obtained. (2) Radio noise measurement (RAN) by means of four channel HF receivers has brought to light the global maps of the lightning occurrence at different local time in various seasons. (3) and (4) In situ measurements of the ambient plasma have revealed the global distributions of electron temperature and concentration (RPT mission) and those of ion composition (PIC mission) at about 1000 km altitude above the Earth.
Operation and experimental results of the Ionosphere Sounding Satellite-b
Acta Astronautica ; 7 , 8-9 ; 999-1020
1980-04-08
22 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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