SandPIPR+ (Structure and Propagation of Ionospheric Patches in the polar Region) mission

The SandPIPR+ multi-CubeSat mission will address the formation, structure, and evolution of ionospheric polar cap patches. Polar cap patches are referred to as plasma density enhancements in the F-region polar ionosphere, typically formed as a series of islands. Those density irregularities can cause signal scintillation. Therefore, understanding the formation and evolution and propagation of patches is key to forecasting space weather. The importance of polar cap patches is further highlighted from the fact that they directly substantiate the coupled dynamics of Earth’s magnetosphere, ionosphere, and atmosphere, which is dependent on external and internal conditions. One important parameter in regulating the patch dynamics is the interaction and feedback between ions and neutrals occurring at altitudes less than ~400 km. This is, however, poorly understood due to the lack of appropriate measurements taken during different epochs in the evolution of a patch from the dayside to the nightside. SandPIPR+ mission will overcome these observational challenges to produce the first multipoint measurements of plasma structures in the polar cap and the associated interactions with the neutral gas that are responsible for the generation of plasma structure and the modification of the ion-drag force. SandPIPR+ directly addresses NASA’s Heliophysics Science Strategic Objective “to understand the Sun and its interactions with Earth and the solar system, including space weather”. Additionally, SandPIPR+ will provide preliminary measurements for the upcoming GDC mission, giving important implications for the instrument/spacecraft design and performance requirements.