Numerical Modeling and GNSS Observations of Ionospheric Depletions Due To a Small‐Lift Launch Vehicle
Abstract Space launches produce ionospheric disturbances which can be observed through measurements such as Global Navigation Satellite System signal delays. Here we report observations and numerical simulations of the ionospheric depletion due to a Small‐Lift Launch Vehicle. The case examined was t...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2023-09-01
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| Series: | Space Weather |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1029/2023SW003563 |
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| author | G. W. Bowden M. Brown |
| author_facet | G. W. Bowden M. Brown |
| author_sort | G. W. Bowden |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Space launches produce ionospheric disturbances which can be observed through measurements such as Global Navigation Satellite System signal delays. Here we report observations and numerical simulations of the ionospheric depletion due to a Small‐Lift Launch Vehicle. The case examined was the launch of a Rocket Lab Electron at 22:30 UTC on 22 March 2021. Despite the very small launch vehicle, ground stations in the Chatham Islands measured decreases in slant total electron content for navigation satellite signals following the launch. Global Ionosphere Thermosphere Model results indicated ionospheric depletions which were comparable with these measurements. Measurements indicated a maximum decrease of 2.7 TECU in vertical total electron content, compared with a simulated decrease of 2.6 TECU. Advection of the exhaust plume due to its initial velocity and subsequent effects of neutral winds are identified as some remaining challenges for this form of modeling. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-27003e8f0c6a40f592f5d4bb5958a31d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1542-7390 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2023-09-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Space Weather |
| spelling | doaj-art-27003e8f0c6a40f592f5d4bb5958a31d2025-01-14T16:31:22ZengWileySpace Weather1542-73902023-09-01219n/an/a10.1029/2023SW003563Numerical Modeling and GNSS Observations of Ionospheric Depletions Due To a Small‐Lift Launch VehicleG. W. Bowden0M. Brown1School of Engineering and Information Technology University of New South Wales Canberra Campbell ACT AustraliaSchool of Engineering and Information Technology University of New South Wales Canberra Campbell ACT AustraliaAbstract Space launches produce ionospheric disturbances which can be observed through measurements such as Global Navigation Satellite System signal delays. Here we report observations and numerical simulations of the ionospheric depletion due to a Small‐Lift Launch Vehicle. The case examined was the launch of a Rocket Lab Electron at 22:30 UTC on 22 March 2021. Despite the very small launch vehicle, ground stations in the Chatham Islands measured decreases in slant total electron content for navigation satellite signals following the launch. Global Ionosphere Thermosphere Model results indicated ionospheric depletions which were comparable with these measurements. Measurements indicated a maximum decrease of 2.7 TECU in vertical total electron content, compared with a simulated decrease of 2.6 TECU. Advection of the exhaust plume due to its initial velocity and subsequent effects of neutral winds are identified as some remaining challenges for this form of modeling.https://doi.org/10.1029/2023SW003563ionospheric plasma holegeneral circulation modelionospheric disturbancesrocketGITM |
| spellingShingle | G. W. Bowden M. Brown Numerical Modeling and GNSS Observations of Ionospheric Depletions Due To a Small‐Lift Launch Vehicle Space Weather ionospheric plasma hole general circulation model ionospheric disturbances rocket GITM |
| title | Numerical Modeling and GNSS Observations of Ionospheric Depletions Due To a Small‐Lift Launch Vehicle |
| title_full | Numerical Modeling and GNSS Observations of Ionospheric Depletions Due To a Small‐Lift Launch Vehicle |
| title_fullStr | Numerical Modeling and GNSS Observations of Ionospheric Depletions Due To a Small‐Lift Launch Vehicle |
| title_full_unstemmed | Numerical Modeling and GNSS Observations of Ionospheric Depletions Due To a Small‐Lift Launch Vehicle |
| title_short | Numerical Modeling and GNSS Observations of Ionospheric Depletions Due To a Small‐Lift Launch Vehicle |
| title_sort | numerical modeling and gnss observations of ionospheric depletions due to a small lift launch vehicle |
| topic | ionospheric plasma hole general circulation model ionospheric disturbances rocket GITM |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1029/2023SW003563 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT gwbowden numericalmodelingandgnssobservationsofionosphericdepletionsduetoasmallliftlaunchvehicle AT mbrown numericalmodelingandgnssobservationsofionosphericdepletionsduetoasmallliftlaunchvehicle |