Ionospheric Effects Symposium 2023
Published June 27, 2023 | Version v1
Conference paper Open

The Variable Voltage Ion Protection Experiment (VVIPRE): Thermospheric and Ionospheric Remote Sensing from the ISS

Contributors

  • 1. Boston College

Description

The Variable Voltage Ion Protection Experiment (VVIPRE) is a demonstration space experiment built by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory to show how low-cost variable voltage power supplies can protect sensitive spaceflight detectors from space plasma ion damage, extend sensor lifetimes, and deliver high-quality measurements of the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Spacecraft charging and ambient ion impingement can cause noise, detector damage, and reduced sensor lifetime on-orbit. VVIPRE variable voltage power supplies compensate for variations in spacecraft potential to reduce or eliminate this unwanted ion flow. Naturally-occurring ultraviolet airglow can then be measured to specify the atmosphere globally. VVIPRE was launched March 15, 2023 to the International Space Station (ISS). The experiment has completed commissioning, is currently collecting airglow data in its default operational mode, and ion detection and rejection tests are on-going. Ultimately, VVIPRE will demonstrate successful ion mitigation by delivering space environment remote sensing data suitable for DoD model use. VVIPRE and its companion Experiment for Characterizing the Lower Ionosphere and Prediction of Sporadic-E (ECLIPSE) form a powerful atmospheric observatory on the ISS.

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References

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