FUNDAMENTAL SPACE PHYSICS RESEARCH
The foundation of ASTRA is our fundamental knowledge of the physics of the upper atmosphere, thermosphere and ionosphere.
With experience spanning decades and multiple disciplines, our scientific team utilizes deep understanding and expertise in many aspects of space physics. We produce new interpretations of data and model output, and new insights and discoveries for our customers.
Atmospheric Modeling
| Real-Time Modeling and Forecasting |
A Unique Unified System for Specification of the Ionosphere & Thermosphere |
| Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIME-GCM) |
First-principles full-physics global model |
| Proprietary Radio Raytracing Code |
Combined with model outputs to study radio propagation, radio system design, and data analysis. |
Other modeling Resources Include:
- International Reference Ionosphere Model (IRI)
- Mass Spectrometer and Incoherent Scatter Model (MSIS)
- Trajectory Analysis
- Satellite Aerodynamics and Gas-Surface Interactions
Data Assimilation
| Assimilative Mapping of Ionospheric Electrodynamics (AMIE) |
Deriving high latitude electrodynamic parameters through data ingestion |
| Ionospheric Data Assimilation Four-Dimensional Model (IDA4D) |
Global electron density specification using multiple diverse data sets from GPS TEC, HF radio, in-situ, GPS occultation, and UV remote sensing. |
| Atmospheric Density Assimilation Model (ADAM) |
Under Phase II SBIR development for satellite drag and orbital prediction |
Data Analysis – Space and Ground Based
| Electron Density |
Changes in distribution can delay, advance the phase, and refract (bend) radio signals, with impacts on GNSS navigation, communication, and surveillance systems. |
| Field Aligned Currents |
Improved specification and understanding of FAC improves understanding of Magnetosphere-Ionosphere coupling |
| GRACE/CHAMP |
Interpretation of satellite accelerometer data |
| Neutral Density |
Changes in thermospheric density create variable satellite drag, adversely affecting space missions |
| TIMED |
Utilizing the Global UltraViolet Imager (GUVI) onboard NASA’s TIMED satellite |
| Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances (TIDs) |
Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances are always present in the F-region ionosphere, and impact operational systems employing GPS, radar, and radio. |
