Early Results of Ionospheric Weather Observations of FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2

FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 (FS7/C2), with the mission orbit of 550 km altitude, 24-deg inclination, and a period of 97 minutes, was launched on June 25, 2019. Tri-GNSS Radio occultation (RO) Receiver System (TGRS), Ion Velocity Meter (IVM), and RF Beacon (RFB) onboard FS7/C-2 six small satellites allow scientists to observe the plasma structure and dynamics in the mid-latitude, low-latitude, and equatorial ionosphere. Measurements of FS7/C2 RO and IVM, as well as those of global ground-based GNSS receivers and other satellites, such as FORMOSAT-5/AIP, DMSP, etc. are used to study and have a better understanding of ionospheric weather in middle latitude electron density enhancements, plasma depletion bays, non-migrating tides, and scintillations. Moreover, observations of F7/C2 together with global ground-based GNSS receivers and other satellites are used to support ionospheric weather monitoring, nowcast, and forecast, as well as positioning, navigation, and communication application.