Triple magnesium ionospheric photometer (Tri-MIP) instrument overview

Metal atoms and ions are deposited into the Earth’s Upper Atmosphere and Ionosphere via meteor ablation. The neutral atoms can undergo charge exchange with extant O+, O2+, and N2+ ions to become metallic ions. Metallic ions have lifetimes of several days in the ionosphere, allowing vertical wind shear to compress them into thin, dense layers that subsequently produce Sporadic-E propagation of HF radio signals. The Triple Magnesium Ionospheric Photometer (Tri-MIP) instrument was developed by the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to observe airglow emissions from magnesium ions (Mg+) in the Earth’s atmosphere and measure global-scale Mg+ density from orbit as a proxy for the metallic ion population. This CubeSat compatible Space Weather sensor is a 1U ionospheric photometer that observes the ultraviolet 280 nm fluorescent emission of Mg+ on the sunlit portion of the orbit. The primary objective is to characterize the Mg+ distribution in the Earth’s atmosphere. We present the Tri-MIP instrument concept, laboratory measurements, and upcoming mission concepts.