Nitric Oxide Measurements to improve Atmospheric Densities (NOMAD)

The Ionosphere-Thermosphere-Electrodynamics (I-T-E) Earth system varies markedly on different spatial and temporal scales and this variation can have adverse effects on human operations and systems. There is a need to specify and forecast near-Earth I-T-E space weather to reduce the risks from hazards to systems that operate in this environment. An indicator of the current state and the near-term evolution of large geomagnetic storms is the presence of nitric oxide (NO), a minor species, which is produced during geomagnetic storms. It is created in the 100–160 km region due to precipitating charged particles along Earth’s magnetic field lines that enter the higher latitude atmosphere. Geomagnetic disturbances lead to episodic heating and expansion of the thermosphere. The expansion then increases density at fixed altitudes and causes more atmospheric drag on LEO objects. As a geomagnetic storm’s Joule heating and particle precipitation heat the auroral regions, there is increased infrared (IR) emission. This is from NO that is produced and then subsequently leads to efficient cooling, i.e., a natural “thermostat” effect reducing densities. This proposed work will provide a pathway for operationally sensing the lower thermospheric NO density on a 24/7 basis. Specifically, this proposed work will help expand observational tools that support short- and long-term space weather predictions, will advance region-specific space weather products that provide decision makers with improved characterization and prediction of the timing, intensity, and impact of space weather events on critical infrastructure, and will help develop procedures that facilitate advanced warning of geomagnetic storms. We will design in Phase I and develop in Phase II a nitric oxide (NO) sensor system to continuously fly on a stratospheric uncrewed aerial vehicle (drone) at 20 km for extended periods of time. The NO instrument will have viewing through the top of the drone’s avionics bay cover so that a 45° viewing cone will observe the overhead sky. We will design as a feasibility study the NO instrument, the integration to the drone avionics, and the data retrieval and distribution systems in Phase I.