Using VLF Transmitter Signals at LEO for Plasmasphere Model Validation | CU Experts

This study presents analysis of very low frequency (VLF) transmitter; signal measurements on the Very-Low-Frequency Propagation Mapper (VPM); CubeSat in low-Earth orbit. Six months of satellite operation provided; good data coverage, used to build global statistical maps of VLF power; distribution. The power distribution above four powerful transmitters is; used as input for ray tracing to study signal propagation to the; conjugate hemisphere in two plasmaspheric density models. The ray; tracing results are further compared with VPM measurements to determine; which model provides better agreement with observations. As ray; propagation largely depends on the background plasma density; distribution, this indirect method can be used for plasmaspheric density; model validation as an alternative to multipoint in situ plasma; measurements that may not be readily obtainable. In addition, it can be; used to investigate Landau damping and ducted vs. non-ducted propagation; of VLF signals.

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