SWARM data calibration and validation

Lead Research Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council
Department Name: RAL Space

Abstract

ESA is due to launch the three-satellite mission, SWARM, in 2010 as part of its Earth Explorer programme, which is strategic for the geomagnetic element of Earth Observation. The planned multi-spacecraft formation (in low earth, polar orbit), and payload of magnetic and electric field instruments, are specifically designed to study all contributions to the near-Earth magnetic field, including the internally generated and surface (Lithospheric) geomagnetic field, and the externally influenced ionospheric and magnetospheric fields; together with their associated electric current systems. The key difference in the mission design of SWARM over previous low orbit missions (e.g. Champ and Öersted), is its multi-spacecraft nature, which allows gradient and partial current estimates to be made directly, in-situ. These measurements are critical to capture and distinguish the time-variability of the geomagnetic field, which otherwise inherently limits the accuracy of field models developed from single spacecraft missions (despite the high precision measurements now available). A key mission aim of SWARM is therefore to map the ionospheric current system, linking into the magnetosphere, and monitor behaviour directly to better understand the responses of the Earth's environment. The essentially anisotropic conductivity, and field aligned linkage of currents, requires multi-point measurements of both the magnetic and electric field, and these observations also provide continuous monitoring of the impact of space weather; potentially completing a full solar cycle of previous magnetic measurements. The exploration intended by the SWARM mission, both to survey the geomagnetic field and to distinguish the various dynamic sources contributing to the mechanisms of energy transfer in the Earth's environment, is therefore of high interest, and has close relevance to NCEO aims. ESA plans to present no-cost AOs for guest investigators to validate SWARM data products, who will thereby gain access to the SWARM data set a year before public release. It is therefore desirable to position the UK community to respond to these AOs, which assume national funding will be sought. NCEO funding for this mission support activity, as applied for here, would achieve this. The calibration and analysis techniques will be developed from knowledge gained through the operation of the four-spacecraft Cluster (and other) spacecraft (which can provide determination of electric current density, for example), while verification of the electric field will exploit existing methods, using ionospheric data from the EISCAT radar and SuperDARN network (which can provide reference electric field values through the measured global convection flows). Cluster has provided vital lessons for access, validation and use of SWARM data; multi-point techniques will maximise the science return, while the radar network provides a global interpretation for the in situ observations. On this basis, extensive studies can be performed to qualify and exploit the SWARM dataset through and beyond the mission operations.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description new analysis techniques
Coordination between space missions
Exploitation Route adaption to new analysis
Sectors Other

URL http://sci.esa.int/cluster/56098-seven-esa-satellites-team-up-to-explore-earths-magnetic-field/
 
Description Input to Swarm SVT - ESA mission support
First Year Of Impact 2013
Sector Other
 
Description ESA-SSA contract: SSA-P2-SWE-XVI - SWARM Utilization Analysis
Amount € 200,000 (EUR)
Organisation ESA - ESTEC 
Sector Public
Country Netherlands
Start 03/2016 
End 06/2017
 
Description ESTEC Contract No 4000106388/12/NL/BJ/lf
Amount € 16,900 (EUR)
Funding ID ESTEC Contract No 4000106388/12/NL/BJ/lf 
Organisation ESA - ESTEC 
Sector Public
Country Netherlands
Start 02/2013 
End 03/2014
 
Title Multi-spacecraft ionospheric methods 
Description Methods applied to the inner magnetosphere and ionosphere. Tailored for analysis of SWARM magnetic field data. 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Springer Book published 2020. Dunlop, M. W. and H. Luhr (eds) (2020), Multi-satellite data analysis: Approaches for Deriving Ionospheric Parameters, ISSI scientific reports volume 17, Springer, DOI:10.1007/978-3-030-26732-2 
URL http://www.issibern.ch/publications/pdf/ar/ar21.pdf
 
Description Chapman conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Chapman Conference on CURRENTS IN GEOSPACE. Proceedings published by AGU books.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description EGU 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact conference
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Working group on multi-spacecraft ionospheric tools 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Working group on multi-spacecraft ionospheric tools. Book of science based chapters in pres.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018,2019
URL http://www.issibern.ch/workinggroups/ionosphericspacecraft/