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Heliophysics Science Division
Operational

C/NOFS Coupled Ion Neutral Dynamic Investigation (CINDI)

CINDI involves two instruments on the C/NOFS satellite that measure the concentration and kinetic energy of the ions and neutral particles in space as the satellite passes through them. This information will be used in building models to understand the various structures in the ionosphere, such as plasma depletions and associated turbulence in the nightside, low-latitude ionosphere. These structures can interfere with radio signals between Earth and spacecraft in orbit, thus causing errors in tracking and loss of communication.

Launch Date

April 2008

Class

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Websites


CINDi will measure the concentration and kinetic energy of the ions and neutral particles in space as the satellite passes through them. This information will be used in building models to understand the various structures in the ionosphere, like bubbles of different densities of ions. These structures can interfere with radio signals between the Earth and spacecraft in orbit, thus causing errors in tracking and loss of communication.

Related Publications

2013. "Exploring the role of ionospheric drivers during the extreme solar minimum of 2008.", Annales Geophysicae, 31 2147-2156 [10.5194/angeo-31-2147-2013] [Journal Article/Letter]

2013. "Performance of the IRI-2007 model for equatorial topside ion density in the African sector for low and extremely low solar activity.", Advances in Space Research, 52 1780-1790 [10.1016/j.asr.2012.09.030] [Journal Article/Letter]