 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
NASA Selects Two Magnetospheric Mission Proposals For Feasibility Studies
Greenbelt - Sep 29, 2003 In the first step of a two-step process, NASA has selected two teams to conduct concept studies for the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Mission, the fourth investigation in NASA's Solar Terrestrial Probe mission line. The proposals selected for further study address the scientific objective of the MMS mission, to explore and understand fundamental plasma-physics processes of magnetic reconnection, particle acceleration and turbulence in the Earth's magnetosphere. These three processes, which control the flow of energy, mass and momentum, within and across magnetospheric boundaries, occur throughout the universe and are fundamental to our understanding of astrophysical and solar system plasmas. The selected proposals that will provide instrument suites dedicated to the pursuit of the MMS science objectives are:
"What we learn from MMS will have application far beyond the Earth, because the Earth's magnetosphere provides the only laboratory in which fundamental astrophysical plasma processes are readily accessible for sustained study. MMS results will directly contribute to NASA's mission to advance our scientific knowledge and understanding of Earth, the solar system and the universe," Fisher explained. The selected proposals, which were submitted to NASA in March 2003 in response to the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission Announcement of Opportunity, were both judged to have high scientific and technical merit. Each will receive $1 million to conduct a six-month implementation-feasibility study focused on cost, management and technical plans, including educational outreach and small business involvement. The Solar Terrestrial Probe (STP) Program is a sequence of community-defined strategic projects that provide in-situ and remote sensing observations, from multiple platforms, for sustained study of the Sun-Earth system. The first STP, the Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics mission was launched December 7, 2001. The next two missions in the STP program, Solar-B and the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory, are scheduled for launch in 2006 and 2005 respectively. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Solar Terrestrial Probe SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express Dirt, rocks and all the stuff we stand on firmly
Magnetic Reconnection Region Larger Than 2.5 Million Km Found In The Solar Wind
Paris (ESA) Jan 12, 2006Using the ESA Cluster spacecraft and the NASA Wind and ACE satellites, a team of American and European scientists have discovered the largest jets of particles created between the Earth and the Sun by magnetic reconnection. This result makes the cover of this week's issue of Nature. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
