Measuring Plasma Parameters and Waves in The Ionosphere of Earth

A significant advancement for improving our understanding of the physical processes in the Earth's ionosphere has been provided by the introduction of SmallSats---specifically our ability to launch small probes able to perform both in situ and remote sensing measurements in large numbers. To accomplish the high-priority NASA objective of describing the energy transfer throughout the ionosphere mediated by particles and waves, mapping the characteristic plasma conditions in 3-dimensional space, over longitude, latitude, and altitude is necessary. This task has become achievable as long as the diagnostic equipment is affordable and small in size. Accurate measurements of the plasma density and temperature using electric field fluctuation sensors is routinely done in the solar wind via Quasi-Thermal Noise (QTN) spectroscopy. In this project, with a highly experienced team in field sensor instrumentation in both the ionosphere and the solar wind, and a long record of implementing QTN methods, we will redesign solar wind instrumentation for the ionospheric environment. With significant simplifications of the instruments used on flagship and explorer class missions, while still keeping crucial architectural advantages such as potential to use dipole antenna configuration, we will be able to provide a sensor that can be installed on a CubeSat. The proposed instrument Waves, Instabilities & Noise Spectrometer (WINS) will measure plasma parameters and waves as accurately as the well-established solar wind payloads. The maturation of the instrument TRL from 3 to 5 will make this instrument feasible for Heliophysics Low Cost Access to Space (H-LCAS) projects in the future, as well as for commercial opportunities. Launching on a similar timeline as Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC) mission, it will provide results complementary to the ones from Atmospheric Electrodynamics probe for THERmal plasma (AETHER) suite, and aid in resolving potential observational issues early in the mission.

Support NASA's Heliophysics strategic science objectives to understand the Sun and its interactions with Earth and the solar system, including space weather. This will be achieved by developing/demonstrating instrumentation technology necessary to address the following science goals: Explore the physical processes in the space environment from the Sun to the Earth and throughout the solar system; Advance our understanding of the connections that link the Sun, the Earth, planetary space environments, and the outer reaches of our solar system; Develop the knowledge and capability to detect and predict extreme conditions in space to protect life and society and to safeguard human and robotic explorers beyond Earth.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.