Browsing by Author "Handley, Matthew"

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Microburst Scale Size Derived from Multiple Bounces of a Microburst Simultaneously Observed with the FIREBIRD-II CubeSats
(2018-07) Shumko, Mykhaylo; Sample, John; Johnson, Arlo; Blake, Bern; Crew, Alex; Spence, Harlan; Klumpar, David; Agapitov, Oleksiy; Handley, Matthew
We present the observation of a spatially large microburst with multiple bounces made simultaneously by the FIREBIRD‐II CubeSats on February 2nd, 2015. This is the first observation of a microburst with a subsequent decay made by two co‐orbiting but spatially separated spacecraft. From these unique measurements, we place estimates on the lower bounds of the spatial scales as well as quantify the electron bounce periods. The microburst's lower bound latitudinal scale size was 29 ± 1 km and the longitudinal scale size was 51 ± 1 km in low earth orbit. We mapped these scale sizes to the magnetic equator and found that the radial and azimuthal scale sizes were at least 500 ± 10 km and 530 ± 10 km, respectively. These lower bound equatorial scale sizes are similar to whistler‐mode chorus wave source scale sizes, which supports the hypothesis that microbursts are a product of electron scattering by chorus waves. Lastly, we estimated the bounce periods for 200‐800 keV electrons and found good agreement with four common magnetic field models.
Microburst Scale Size Derived From Multiple Bounces of a Microburst Simultaneously Observed With the FIREBIRD-II CubeSats
(2018-09) Shumko, Mykhaylo; Sample, John; Johnson, Arlo; Blake, Bern; Crew, Alex; Spence, Harlan; Klumpar, David; Agapitov, Oleksiy; Handley, Matthew
We present the observation of a spatially large microburst with multiple bounces made simultaneously by the Focused Investigation of Relativistic Electron Bursts: Intensity, Range, and Dynamics II (FIREBIRD‐II) CubeSats on 2 February 2015. This is the first observation of a microburst with a subsequent decay made by two coorbiting but spatially separated spacecraft. From these unique measurements, we place estimates on the lower bounds of the spatial scales as well as quantify the electron bounce periods. The microburst's lower bound latitudinal scale size was 29 ± 1 km and the longitudinal scale size was 51 ± 1 km in low Earth orbit. We mapped these scale sizes to the magnetic equator and found that the radial and azimuthal scale sizes were at least 500 ± 10 km and 530 ± 10 km, respectively. These lower bound equatorial scale sizes are similar to whistler mode chorus wave source scale sizes, which supports the hypothesis that microbursts are a product of electron scattering by chorus waves. Lastly, we estimated the bounce periods for 200‐ to 800‐keV electrons and found good agreement with four common magnetic field models.
Using Solar Panel Data to Model In-Orbit Spacecraft Dynamics
(2013-03) Handley, Matthew; Klumpar, Dave; Mosleh, Ehson
The goal of this project is to develop an algorithm to determine the orientation and rate of rotation of the Hiscock Radiation Belt Explorer (HRBE), a CubeSat satellite which has been operating in-orbit since October 2011. It was designed and built on campus at Montana State University (MSU) by students of the Space Science and Engineering Laboratory (SSEL). The algorithm uses solar panel electrical current readings to determine the orientation of the satellite. This data will be used by the SSEL to assess the effectiveness of the satellite’s passive attitude control system and aid in the development of attitude control systems for future satellites. Additionally, the data will be rendered graphically to accurately represent the orientation and rotation of HRBE over time. This presentation will cover the steps taken to develop this algorithm, as well as its implementation in the data processing routine. Animations of the satellite’s orientation over time will also be on display.