Plasma impedance probe and time-correlated electron saturation current fluctuation diagnostics on the TEPCE cubesat project with application for ionospheric studies*

A multipoint measurement of ionospheric irregularities is possible using the Tethered Electrodynamic Propulsion Cubesat Experiment (TEPCE). This project is designed to demonstrate propulsion of a tethered satellite due to the Lorentz force acting along the current carrying tether as it crosses the Earth's magnetic field. The two cubesat end masses have plasma diagnostics to characterize the ionospheric conditions during operations. A plasma impedance probe diagnostic is designed to perform an absolute measurement of the electron density, while an electron saturation current diagnostic provides a continuous, although relative, electron density measurement. The electron saturation current measurements from the two end masses will be time correlated, thus allowing the possibility of characterizing fluctuations in the ionospheric electron density at a wave number determined by the 1km tether length and directed mostly perpendicular to the magnetic field. Such measurements could provide valuable insight into F-region instabilities (spread-F) associated with ionospheric storms. *Research supported by the Office of Naval Research