MSSL PPARC Rolling Grant Proposal
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Mullard Space Science Laboratory
Abstract
MSSL's PPARC rolling grant supports world-class research in astrophysics and solar system science. Investigators at MSSL are leading programmes to investigate the Earth's magnetosphere, explore the planets, understand the Sun and probe the furthest reaches of the universe. Our academic staffs are involved with the development, design, build, operations and data analysis aspects of space missions. We have hands-on involvement during the lifetime of missions that spans conception to operations. These include an impressive array of missions that are currently operational: Cassini, Cluster, Double Star, Mars Express, Coronas-F, SOHO, Swift, Venus Express and XMM-Newton. In the next grant period Solar-B and Herschel will be launched. We have had hardware involvement in all these missions, and are PI on 5. The drive for this involvement is the cutting edge science that can be achieved from these missions. We are also immersed in the development of future missions including ExoMars, Gaia, KuaFu, Xeus, LISA, and Solar Orbiter. New technologies such as cryogenic coolers for future X-ray missions, instrument miniaturisation for solar system exploration and micropenetrators to explore planets such as Mars and Venus are being developed.
Organisations
Publications
Zane S
(2007)
Giant flares in soft gamma-ray repeaters and short GRBs.
in Philosophical transactions. Series A, Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences
Chen L
(2007)
Observation of energetic electrons within magnetic islands
in Nature Physics
Zane S
(2007)
Neutron star surface emission: Beyond the dipole model
in Astrophysics and Space Science
Lavraud B
(2007)
Strong bulk plasma acceleration in Earth's magnetosheath: A magnetic slingshot effect?
in Geophysical Research Letters
Barcons X
(2007)
The XMM-Newton serendipitous survey IV. Optical identification of the XMM-Newton medium sensitivity survey (XMS)
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Chaston CC
(2007)
Mode conversion and anomalous transport in Kelvin-Helmholtz vortices and kinetic Alfvén waves at the Earth's magnetopause.
in Physical review letters
Stenberg G
(2007)
Internal structure and spatial dimensions of whistler wave regions in the magnetopause boundary layer
in Annales Geophysicae
Israel G
(2007)
Linking the X-ray timing and spectral properties of the glitching AXP 1RXS J170849-400910
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Troja E
(2007)
Swift Observations of GRB 070110: An Extraordinary X-Ray Afterglow Powered by the Central Engine
in The Astrophysical Journal