Enhanced Scattering of Trapped Energetic Electrons in the Inner Magnetosphere

Physical Sciences Inc. proposes to develop a High Energy Imaging Particle Spectrometer (HIPS) to act both as a diagnostic for Radiation Belt Remediation flight experiments and also as an operational space-weather threat sensor. HIPS directly supports AFRLs SWx payload and CYGNUS RBR payloads. During periods of high geomagnetic activity, new radiation belts can form as a result of the energy deposited in the earth's magnetosphere. A high altitude nuclear detonation (HAND) can also produce a similar effect. HAND electrons can become trapped in the Earth's inner magnetosphere, form new radiation belts, and in turn damage space systems. Technologies that reduce the natural lifetimes of HAND belts can dramatically improve space system survivability and ensure the continuation of space-based services. In order to determine the effectiveness of any radiation belt remediation technique, one must measure the energy and pitch angle distributions of ambient electrons, particularly at energies >0.5 MeV. HIPS would characterize the energy and angular distributions of the high energy electrons and protons (0.5-30 MeV electrons and 3-400 MeV protons). While a new instrument design, the HIPS sensor is closely based both on PSI's LPD sensor currently flying on the SERVIS-1 satellite, and the LIPS sensor developed for AFRL/VSB.