VLF Radiation from a Space-Based Transmitter: Overview of the DSX Satellite Mission

Abstract:

Launched on 25 June 2019 into a medium-Earth orbit, the Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) satellite is comprised of a number of experimental payloads designed to: (1) validate models of Very Low Frequency (VLF) wave injection, propagation and particle scattering in the magnetosphere; (2) measure the distribution of energetic particles and plasmas; and (3) investigate radiation effects on advanced spacecraft technologies. The primary mission goal of DSX is to explore the dynamics of magnetospheric wave-particle interactions in a controlled manner and determine the feasibility of injecting VLF waves to enhance the decay of long-lived radiation belts resulting from high-altitude nuclear explosions. The Wave-Particle Interactions Experiment, which includes a VLF transmitter (UMass/Lowell), broadband receiver (Stanford University) and a magnetometer (UCLA), has been successful in injecting VLF waves into the far-field. This has been demonstrated through bistatic detection of DSX transmissions by the Arase satellite and monostatic detection of DSX pulses reflected off the bottom of the magnetosphere. Antenna impedance has been determined over the entire VLF range and under a variety of plasma conditions both inside and outside the plasmasphere. An overview of the DSX mission and highlights of the first year of operation will be presented.