STUDI

SoRcer Test Utqiagvik Deployment for Ionograms

1 December 2021 - 30 November 2022

Lead Scientist: Jeffrey Holmes

Observatory: NSA

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has developed a passive broadband radio frequency (RF) receiver, called a Sounder Receiver (SoRcer), as an ionospheric diagnostic instrument. These SoRcers can produce ionospheric specifications to characterize the local ionosphere. The specifications from the SoRcers can then be used to inform data-assimilation models; monitor diurnal, seasonal, or other cyclical changes; and detect irregularities or abnormalities in the ionosphere, such as traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs), sporadic E, and spread F.

The SoRcer installed at Utqiagvik will monitor the polar ionosphere and be used to evaluate the performance and longevity of different antenna designs installed in a coastal arctic environment.

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This abstract has been approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
USSF Public Affairs release approval #OPS-22-50272