Kinetic-scale energy and momentum transport experiment (KiNET-X): expectations for ion and electron heating

Energy and momentum coupling between spatially separate but magnetically linked plasmas is a key aspect of space physics. Previous active plasma experiments (e.g., APEX North Star [Pfaff et al., 2004]) showed the presence of parallel electric fields that are assumed to facilitate the cross-field "skidding" of the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) ionospheric barium release experiments [Delamere et al., 2000]. The KiNET-X mission is a rocket-based barium injection into Earth's sunlit ionosphere, scheduled to launch in February 2021, designed to test our understanding of kinetic-scale transport of energy and momentum. The energy and momentum input will be constrained by ground-based optical observations. Using multipoint ion and electron detectors, DC and AC vector electric fields, vector fluxgate magnetometer, and a Langmuir probe located along the magnetic field of two separate releases, we seek to understand: 1) how momentum transport is affected by ion kinetic-scale physics, 2) how electromagnetic energy is converted into plasma kinetic and thermal energy, 3) the interplay between fluid- and kinetic-scales, and 4) how electrons are energized during the pickup process. We present hybrid simulations (kinetic ions and fluid electrons) of the barium cloud evolution. While electrons are not directly simulated in the hybrid model, we incorporate them as test particles. In addition, we compare the test-electron interaction with kinetic Alfven waves evident in the hybrid simulations with the electron response seen in self-consistent Gyrofluid-Kinetic Electron (GKE) model simulations [Damiano et al., 2003; Damiano et al. 2015] for similar wave and plasma parameters. These computer simulations are used to make predictions for the KiNET-X mission with particular emphasis on ion heating and electron energization.