Overview of the demonstration and science experiments (DSX) mission

Abstract

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) mission investigated wave-particle interactions and the particle and space environment in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) from June 2019 to May 2021. Its Wave-Particle Interactions Experiment conducted over 1,300 active high power very low frequency transmissions in the radiation belts providing observations of antenna performance and signal propagation from a controlled source. This included hundreds of transmissions while in magnetic conjunction with other satellites. The Loss Cone Imager and Space Weather Experiment suite observed electron and proton populations over a wide energy range, with several of these instruments providing pitch-angle resolution. The Space Environmental Effects Experiment investigated effects of the MEO environment on electronics and materials. The Adaptive Controls Experiment demonstrated technology for on-board identification and control of large structure vibrational modes. We describe the DSX instrument capabilities and on orbit performance, science planning and operations for carrying out an array of active and passive experiments, and some initial results in brief. We also describe plans for further work and data release.