Fact Sheet

Text Size

Shuttle Exhaust Ion Turbulence Experiments (SEITE)
11.21.08

Overview | Description | Applications | Operations | Results | Publications | Images

Experiment/Payload Overview

Brief Summary

Shuttle Exhaust Ion Turbulence Experiments (SEITE) will use space based sensors to detect the ionospheric turbulence inferred from the radar observations from a previous Space Shuttle Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) burn experiment using ground-based radar.

Principal Investigator

  • Paul A. Bernhardt, Ph.D., Naval Research Laboratory, Washington D.C.

    • Co-Investigator(s)/Collaborator(s)

    Information Pending

    Payload Developer

    United States Department of Defense Space Test Program, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
    Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC

    Sponsoring Agency

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

    Expeditions Assigned

    |18|19|20|

    Previous ISS Missions

    SEITE is a new investigation for microgravity research.

    ^ back to top


    Experiment/Payload Description

    Research Summary

    • Shuttle Exhaust Ion Turbulence Experiments (SEITE) research will enhance the surveillance of space, real-time characterization, detection and tracking and timely surveillance of high interest objects.


    • The purpose for SEITE is for space based diagnostics of ionospheric turbulence utilizing Space Shuttle Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) exhaust.

    Description

    Shuttle Exhaust Ion Turbulence Experiments (SEITE) uses instrumentation on several satellites for in situ observations of density and electric field disturbances caused by the Space Shuttle Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) engine exhaust plume. SEITE satellite instrumentation will observe and measure the plasma turbulence (disruption in ionized gas particles) produced by the OMS exhaust plume (column of gas resulting from the use of propellants and measure electric fields, plasma waves (periodic motion in ionized gas particles), plasma densities (density of electrons), and magnetic fields (an area surrounding a magnetic body or electrical current).

    The Communications/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite, FalconSat-3, and the Enhanced Polar Outflow Probe/CASCADE Demonstrator Small-sat and Ionospheric Polar Explorer (ePOP/CASSIOPE) satellites have the correct instrumentation for the measurements. The satellite sensors for the measurements provide data on the following: Neutral Flows, Electron and Ion Distributions, Electric Fields and Plasma Waves, Radio Scintillations. The satellite needs to be within 300 km of the ignition point for the measurements. On average there is an opportunity for an observation once every 5 days for each satellite while the Shuttle is in orbit.

    ^ back to top


    Applications

    Space Applications

    Artificially created plasma turbulence can disrupt military navigation and communications using radio systems.

    Earth Applications

    Results will help in the interpretation of spacecraft plumes when they are observed from Earth.

    ^ back to top


    Operations

    Operational Requirements

    A 10-second dual OMS engine burn at a point where the far field exhaust plume will intersect with the flight path of one of the satellites particpating with SEITE. NASA provides orbit updates for coordination with the SEITE diagnostic satellite. Knowledge of Shuttle and SEITE satellite orbits prior to a conjunction with 10 km accuracy and 1 second resolution. After the Space Shuttle burn is performed need actual ignition point with 1 km accuracy and engine attitude to 5 degrees accuracy. The satellites will only passively observe the plume and will not perform a maneuver.

    Operational Protocols

    OMS engine burns will be performed at a precise time, location and direction so the engine plume and on-orbit satellites will achieve conjunction.

    ^ back to top


    Results/More Information

    Information Pending

    ^ back to top


    Related Web Sites

    ^ back to top


    Publications

    Results Publications

      ^ back to top


      Related Publications

        ^ back to top


        Images

        imageSEITE experiment operational concept. Image courtesy of US Department of Defense Space Test Program, Houston, TX.
        + View Larger Image


        imageSymmetrical Dual OMS Burn in Daylight on a Space Shuttle.
        + View Larger Image


        Information Provided and Updated by the ISS Program Scientist's Office
        ›Back To Top