Multipoint energetic electron and proton measurements from the Global Positioning System constellation
Abstract
The Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites are distributed across six orbital planes and follow near-circular orbits, with a 12 hour period, at an altitude of approximately 20200 km. The six orbital planes are distributed around the Earth and are nominally inclined at 55 degrees. Energetic particle detectors have been flown on the GPS constellation for more than two decades; by February 2016 there were 23 GPS satellites equipped with energetic particle instrumentation. Electron data from the Combined X-ray Dosimeter (CXD), which is flown on 21 GPS satellites, has been cross-calibrated against data from the Van Allen Probes mission, demonstrating its utility for scientific research and radiation environment specification. Energetic particle data from these instruments were publicly released in 2017, including the cross-calibrated electron fluxes. Recently the CXD energetic proton data has been cross-calibrated against GOES Space Environment Monitor data using a set of Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events. We will describe the GPS constellation from the perspective of its use as a monitor for space weather, including the electron radiation belts and SEPs. We will review the cross-calibration of the particle data and will discuss the advances enabled in understanding Earth's radiation environment by the availability of these data.
- Publication:
-
42nd COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- July 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018cosp...42E2350M