ROC makes breakthrough in ionospheric research

2015-01-29

A new scientific probe designed by Taiwan scientists is set to boost global ionospheric research while contributing to disaster prevention and enhancing the quality of satellite communications.

The Advanced Ionospheric Probe is the world’s first all-in-one sensor capable of measuring on a time-sharing basis ionospheric plasma concentration, temperatures and velocities over a wide range of spatial scales, according to Hsinchu City-based National Space Organization.

Designed by researchers from National Central University, AIP weighs 4 kilograms and measures 1,000 cubic centimeters, the lightest and smallest probe of its kind. It boasts a sampling rate of up to 8,192 hertz—the highest among all similar devices in operation—and will be installed on the Formosat-5 satellite set for launch early next year from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

Chao Chi-kuang, a key project member and associate professor of NCU Graduate Institute of Space Science, said since the ion probe on Formosat-1 commenced operations in 1994, the university’s researchers have published more than 100 papers based on related data and analysis. “AIP is certain to further strengthen Taiwan’s role as a provider of cosmological science data.”

According to Chao, the special electrode forming employed by the AIP sensor will significantly reduce electrode contamination and measurement errors, leading to better understanding of the characteristics of ionospheric plasma irregularities.

“This is important as the occurrence and density structure of plasma irregularities have a great impact on a variety of satellite communication-related applications, such as global positioning technology and national defense,” he said.

In addition, Chao said a recent study by NCU professor Liu Jann-yenq shows a likely correlation between changes in ionospheric variables and earthquakes. “The data collected by AIP will shed more light in this regard.”

Starting July, the NCU research team will offer project-related training sessions to senior high school students and select four to take part in the satellite launch.

Formosat-5 is the first homegrown space program fully overseen by the NSPO. It aims to build up Taiwan’s capabilities for independent development of spacecraft and payload instruments.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=226889&CtNode=413)