Project description
Studying satellite surface charging during geosynchronous magnetopause crossings
The number of satellites has increased in recent years, making them vital for everyday life and communication. However, satellites face challenges in space, particularly from the build-up of charged particles, mainly fast-moving electrons. This accumulation can cause sudden electrical discharges, potentially leading to damage or total loss of the spacecraft. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the KISMET-SPARK project will conduct the first dedicated study of surface charging during geosynchronous magnetopause crossing (GMC) events. During GMCs, the solar wind compresses the Earth’s magnetic field, placing satellites in geosynchronous orbit within the magnetosheath region, where intense surface charging and elevated electron fluxes can occur. The study aims to improve understanding of space weather and help develop more resilient satellite systems.
Objective
"Satellites in space are subjected to charged particles in the ambient environment. Specifically, the fast-moving electrons of the space plasma can rapidly accumulate on satellite surfaces. These surfaces may then suddenly discharge in electrical arcs that damage the onboard electronics, which may even result in total loss of the spacecraft. The project KISMET-SPARK will be the first dedicated study of surface charging during rare but impactful events known as ""Geosynchronous Magnetopause Crossings"" (GMCs). During a GMC, the solar wind compresses the Earth's magnetic field. This ends up placing satellites in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) within a region known as the magnetosheath, where the ambient electron fluxes and resulting surface charging can be intense.
In KISMET-SPARK, the Applicant Konstantinos Horaites will address the kinetic physics of electrons in Earth's magnetosheath and their space weather impacts. In two Work Packages, he will 1) describe the processes that shape the energized ""flat-top"" electron velocity distribution (eVDF), and 2) evaluate how these electrons contribute to the costly GEO satellite failures that are correlated with GMCs. The project will be supervised by Daniel Verscharen, who is an Associate Professor at the Host institution, the University of College London's Mullard Space Science Laboratory. The Applicant will simulate the magnetosheath environment using state-of-the-art kinetic ""eVlasiator"" simulations of Earth's magnetosheath. He will employ the Supervisor's ""ALPS"" code to assess the kinetic stability of the eVDF, which will explain the origin of the flat-top population. This project will combine the Applicant's experience with simulations together with the Supervisor's knowledge of space-plasma instabilities, to answer long-standing questions about the magnetosheath eVDF's origins and impacts. The project results will be communicated to the scientific community, industry stakeholders, and the general public."
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering astronautical engineering spacecraft
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy galactic astronomy solar physics
- natural sciences physical sciences plasma physics
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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)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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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.
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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-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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WC1E 6BT London
United Kingdom
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