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Research

Space@VT focuses on research investigations of the science, technological impact, and utilization of the geo-space environment. The goal of Space@VT is to develop a holistic approach to such research utilizing theoretical and advanced computational modeling as well as the development of scientific instruments and space missions for experimental data acquisition and analysis.

  • Research Facilites
  • Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) & Radio Science Laboratory
  • Space Systems Simulation Laboratory
  • Aeronomy/Remote Sensing Laboratory
  • SuperDARN HF Space Weather Radar Laboratory
  • Space Plasma Chamber
  • Lower-Atmospheric Remote Sensing Laboratory

Research Interests:

  • Upper Atmospheric and Space Plasma Physics
  • Space Weather
  • Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
  • Spacecraft Advanced Propulsion Techniques
  • Spacecraft Environmental Interactions

Research Capabilities:

  • Satellite Mission Design and Remote Sensing
  • Space-based Instrument Development
  • ProjectReport_201305_Kim (PDF | 17MB)
    • The main objective of this project is to develop our understanding of the multi-scale global solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling dynamics and thus to predict the properties of the complex solar-terrestrial environment (space weather) through high temporal and spatial resolution, magnetically conjugate multi-instrument arrays developed in Eastern Antarctica.
      Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Science Team (MIST) at Virginia Tech developed an autonomous adaptive low-power instrument platform (AAL-PIP) to establish a ground instrument network, magnetically conjugate to the Greenland East coast magnetometer chain along the 40° magnetic meridian (PI: Bob Clauer). The new Antarctic array facilitates high-latitude interhemispheric investigations of the magnetosphere and ionosphere.
      As of the austral summer 2012-2013, three AAL-PIPs are in operation in the remote field locations in Antarctica. Because Antarctica has a harsh environment and its accessibility is limited, the stations are designed to operate autonomously and to optimize data collection and power management for at least three years. Figure 1 and Table 1 show the locations of the AAL-PIP stations and their conjugate network in Greenland.

  • Spacecraft Modeling, Simulation, and Design
  • Physics-based Modeling, Simulation, and High Performance Computing
  • Global Navigation Satellite System Receiver Design