Title:

Observations of Van Allen Radiation Belt Electron Precipitation during Satellite Conjunctions of FIREBIRD-II and POES

Precipitating electrons impact the physical and chemical properties of the upper atmosphere; yet, the behavior of these electrons is not well known. Measurements of electrons in the atmosphere are provided by the Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites (POES), which are equipped with the Medium Energy Proton and Electron Detector (MEPED). While these satellites have adequate coverage, they have a low energy resolution and electron measurements are impacted by proton contamination. Additionally, the POES instrument geometry provides a narrow field of view which inhibits the measurement of low-flux electrons. Fortunately, the recent FIREBIRD-II CubeSat mission provides an opportunity to observe higher resolution electron measurements with a wider field of view in comparison with POES. A detailed comparison of energetic electron flux between the FIREBIRD-II CubeSats (FIREBIRD-3 and FIREBIRD-4) and several POES satellites (NOAA-15, NOAA-18, NOAA-19, MetOp-1B, MetOp-2A) during different conjunction times were performed. Conjunction times were found within L-shells 3 and 7, which are representative of the outer radiation belt. It is anticipated this study will encourage the installation of the FIREBIRD instrument on future satellites instead of the MEPED to ensure a more accurate observation of electron precipitation in the upper atmosphere.

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