Fact Sheet

Text Size

Shuttle Exhaust Ion Turbulence Experiments (SEITE)
04.26.13

OpNom:

Overview | Description | Applications | Operations | Results | Publications | Imagery

Experiment Overview

This content was provided by Paul A. Bernhardt, Ph.D., and is maintained in a database by the ISS Program Science Office.

Brief Summary

Shuttle Exhaust Ion Turbulence Experiments (SEITE) uses 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(s)

  • Paul A. Bernhardt, Ph.D., Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, United States

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

    Information Pending

    Developer(s)

    United States Department of Defense Space Test Program, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States

    Sponsoring Space Agency

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

    Sponsoring Organization

    National Laboratory - Department of Defense (NL-DoD)

    Research Benefits

    Information Pending

    ISS Expedition Duration:

    October 2008 - September 2011

    Expeditions Assigned

    18,19/20,21/22,25/26,27/28

    Previous ISS Missions

    SEITE will be operated on Space Shuttle missions 17A and 2JA during Expedition 19/20.

    ^ back to top


    Experiment Description

    Research Overview

    • 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 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 Websites

    ^ back to top


    Imagery

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


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


    Information provided by the investigation team to the ISS Program Scientist's Office.
    If updates are needed to the summary please contact JSC-ISS-Program-Science-Group. For other general questions regarding space station research and technology, please feel free to call our help line at 281-244-6187 or e-mail at JSC-ISS-Research-Helpline.
    › Back To Top