Project description
Protecting orbital infrastructure from high-energy electrons
Earth’s radiation belts contain high-energy electrons that can damage satellites and space-based electronics during geomagnetic storms. Existing models often fail to predict these dynamics accurately because they overlook the rapid, nonlinear acceleration driven by intense plasma waves. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ARBEN project aims to address this gap by integrating these complex wave-particle interactions into current forecasting tools. Using computer simulations and spacecraft measurements, the project will compile a database of corrected physical parameters for global radiation belt models. Beyond improving space weather forecasting for hazardous events, the project will support interdisciplinary training in instrumentation and computational physics. Ultimately, this research aims to protect critical infrastructure while preparing the next generation of scientific leaders.
Objective
Understanding and forecasting the behavior of high-energy electrons in Earth’s radiation belts is essential for protecting satellites and other space-based infrastructure during geomagnetic storms. These electrons can penetrate spacecraft shielding, damage onboard electronics, and shorten mission lifetimes. Yet their dynamics remain difficult to predict.
Current models treat magnetospheric plasma waves as incoherent, leading to a simplified picture of electrons undergoing slow, diffusive energy transport. However, modern spacecraft observations reveal that intense plasma waves, particularly whistler-mode chorus, often exhibit coherent, narrowband waveforms that enable rapid and nonlinear acceleration of trapped electrons. This process may dominate during storm conditions but is not captured in existing models.
My ARBEN project addresses this critical gap by systematically incorporating nonlinear wave–particle interactions into radiation belt models. I will use test-particle simulations to derive corrections to standard diffusion coefficients in realistic wave fields, building on recent theoretical advances and high-resolution waveform measurements from spacecraft. These coefficients will be compiled into a database linked to observable wave parameters and implemented in leading global radiation belt models (DREAM, VERB) to assess their impact during geomagnetic storms and superstorms.
The outcome will be a physics-based correction framework that enhances space weather forecasting capabilities during the most hazardous events. The fellowship will also support interdisciplinary training at the University of Michigan, including collaborations on spacecraft instrumentation, computational electromagnetism, and fluid dynamics. I will gain experience in mentoring, teaching, and leadership, preparing for a future independent research career.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics electromagnetism
- natural sciences computer and information sciences databases
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
14473 POTSDAM
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.