Vision for a Virtual Radiation Belt Observatory
Abstract
Satellite engineers, operators, and scientists now share a common desire to understand the structure and variability of the earth's radiation belts. Continuing upsets to space operations demonstrate a need for improved scientific understanding of the radiation belts, more accurate models, and better transfer of scientific understanding to space technology and operations. Currently, the resources necessary for such advancements are beyond the scope of an individual researcher. Thus, we discuss plans to advance our understanding of the radiation belts and mitigate the hazards they pose to society by creating a Virtual Radiation Belt Observatory (ViRBO). The observatory will be an open access near real time and long term archive of observed and simulated radiation belt model data. It will enable scientists to test theoretical mechanisms proposed to explain how particles are accelerated and removed from the radiation belts and it will provide improved tools for engineers designing satellites and operators assessing satellite malfunctions. The observatory will capitalize on radiation belt modeling efforts currently underway at institutions throughout the country and support the goals of the electronic Geophysical Year (eGY) endorsed by the world wide community.
- Publication:
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AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- May 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004AGUSMSM31B..05G
- Keywords:
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- 2716 Energetic particles;
- precipitating;
- 2720 Energetic particles;
- trapped;
- 2730 Magnetosphere: inner