Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD)

1. Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) Science Objectives: 1. Understand how geomagnetic storms alter the thermosphere and the low-latitude, nighttime ionosphere 2. Quantify the global-scale response of the thermosphere to solar extreme-ultraviolet variability 3. Determine whether atmospheric waves and tides have a significant effect on thermospheric temperature structure 4. Quantify how vertical ion drifts, as manifested in the structure of the equatorial anomaly, affect the occurrence of ionospheric irregularities Associated RFAs: F3. Understand the role of plasma and neutral interactions in nonlinear coupling of regions throughout the solar system. H2. Determine changes in the Earth’s magnetosphere, ionosphere, and upper atmosphere to enable specification, prediction, and mitigation of their effects. H3. Understand the role of the Sun as an energy source to Earth’s atmosphere and, in particular, the role of solar variability in driving change. J4. Understand and characterize the space weather effects on and within planetary environments to minimize risk in exploration activities. Mission Implementation Description: *Number of spacecraft: 1 *Location: Geostationary *Flight on commercial communications satellites *Number of instruments: 1 *Type of instrument: remote, TRL-level: 6 or greater *Payload resources required (30 kg/30 W/5.0 Mbps) Measurement Strategy: *Simultaneous disk images of daytime Tn and O/N2 ratio *Disk images of peak electron densities and low latitude irregularities at night *Limb measurements of O2 density profiles and Texo • Enabling and Enhancing Technology Development: • Enabling Technology - Inexpensive access to geostationary orbits • Enhancing technology – Solar irradiance and solar wind measurements R. Eastes/ reastes@mail.ucf.edu