Overview of the Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) Mission. Issue 4 (20th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Johnston, W. R.; Ginet, G. P.; Starks, M. J.; McCollough, J. P.; Sanchez, J. C.; Song, P.; Galkin, I. A.; Inan, U. S.; Lauben, D. S.; Tu, J.; Reinisch, B. W.; Linscott, I. R.; Roche, K.; Stelmash, S.; Allgeier, S.; Lambour, R.; Schoenberg, J.; Gillespie, W.; Farrell, W. M.; Xapsos, M. A.; Roddy, P. A.; Lindstrom, C. D.; Pedinotti, G. F.; Huston, S. L.; Albert, J. M.; Sinclair, A. J.; Davis, L. D.; Carilli, J. A.; Cooke, D. L.; Parker, C. W.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 128:Issue 4(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-04-20
• Subjects: DSX -- wave‐particle interactions -- active experiments -- radiation belt -- VLF -- inner magnetosphere; Magnetospheric physics -- Periodicals; Space environment -- Periodicals; Cosmic physics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Atmospheres -- Periodicals; Heliosphere (Astrophysics) -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 523.01
• DOI: 10.1029/2022JA030771
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9380

Abstract

Abstract: The Air Force Research Laboratory's Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) mission investigated wave‐particle interactions and the particle and space environment in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) from June 2019 to May 2021. Its Wave‐Particle Interactions Experiment conducted over 1, 300 active high power very low frequency transmissions in the radiation belts providing observations of antenna performance and signal propagation from a controlled source. This included hundreds of transmissions while in magnetic conjunction with other satellites. The Loss Cone Imager and Space Weather Experiment suite observed electron and proton populations over a wide energy range, with several of these instruments providing pitch‐angle resolution. The Space Environmental Effects Experiment investigated effects of the MEO environment on electronics and materials. The Adaptive Controls Experiment demonstrated technology for on‐board identification and control of large structure vibrational modes. We describe the DSX instrument capabilities and on orbit performance, science planning and operations for carrying out an array of active and passive experiments, and some initial results in brief. We also describe plans for further work and data release. Plain Language Summary: In this paper, we summarize the Air Force Research Laboratory's Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) satellite mission which recently concluded after nearly 2 yr in the radiation belts. We describe the DSX science instruments and how we planned and performed experiments during the mission. The mission had a primary goal of conducting high‐power transmissions in near‐Earth space using very low frequency (VLF) radio waves. Such active DSX experiments yielded information about how a high‐voltage antenna interacts with the low‐density charged particles, or plasma, near the spacecraft. DSX experimented with propagating signals along magnetic field lines to other satellites and "bouncing" them back to the spacecraft. DSX also studied interactions between VLF waves and radiation belt electrons, particularly how electrons may be lost from the radiation belts. High‐energy electrons and protons trapped in the Earth's magnetic field make up the radiation belts, and these particles as well as the lower‐energy plasma particles are hazards to spacecraft. The mission had further goals of measuring radiation belt and plasma particles and their effects on spacecraft parts. Collectively, the results of DSX research will improve spacecraft survivability in the harsh space environment. Key Points: Demonstration and Science Experiments conducted over 1, 300 high power very low frequency transmission experiments in the radiation belts, including 315 in coordination with other satellites The 23‐month mission also collected comprehensive wave, particle, and plasma observations in its inclined medium Earth orbit Instruments, planning and operations, some initial results, plans for further work, and release of data are described in brief