Ionospheric Mapping and Geocoronal Experiment

Disturbances in the earth's ionosphere can affect systems that rely on trans-ionospheric RF propagation. Validated DoD needs for real-time monitoring of ionospheric weather are not being met by current remote sensing techniques. Our proposal supportsdevelopment of an ionospheric imaging instrument capable of providing real-time information on a global basis about ionospheric irregularities to improve tactical operational responses supporting surveillance, navigation, communication, missile defense,and precision geolocation. This SBIR effort focuses on reducing the instrument's cost, mass, and volume to facilitate integration as a secondary payload on geosynchronous satellite platforms. Future deployments aboard these platforms will enable real-timeglobal monitoring of ionospheric disturbances affecting both DoD and Civil Sector systems.BENEFITS: A successful effort will lead to production of multiple ionospheric imaging instrument as part of a global multi-platform geosynchronous real-time imagingsystem for monitoring structures and tracking irregularities within the earth's ionosphere. The system will provide real-time information to systems affected by ionospheric disturbances leading to improved surveillance, navigation, communication, missiledefense, and precision geolocation. Private industry communication systems may also benefit.