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The William B. Hanson Center for Space Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas conducts a vigorous research program in Space Plasma Physics. Our goal is to advance our understanding of the evolution of Solar System bodies and their interaction with the Sun.

Our research includes:

  • the design, construction, and flight of space plasma sensors for space-borne experiments.
  • the use of remote sensing and autonomous aerial vehicles to investigate Earth’s surface properties.
  • the development and use of radio remote sensing instruments and techniques for studies of the upper atmosphere. 
  • the development of software and analysis tools for data interpretation.
  • the advancement of numerical models of the solar terrestrial environment.

The Center for Space Sciences (CSS) is composed of faculty, researchers, and graduate students affiliated with the University’s Department of Physics. The Center also provides challenging research projects for students with the opportunity to work with internationally renowned scientists.

Below are some of our missions and research posters.

Missions

CINDI

CINDI is an investigation to study the dynamics of the equatorial ionosphere, which is influenced by the collisions between the charged and neutral gases in the upper
atmosphere.

COSMIC-2

Through collaboration with and funding by the US Air Force,
UTD developed and provided the COSMIC-2 Ion Velocity
Meter instruments that measure properties of the local
plasma, including plasma motion, temperature, density
and composition.

DMSP

The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) is a US Department of Defense spacecraft constellation that provides Earth weather and environmental data.

SPORT

The SPORT mission seeks to understand the conditions under which ionospheric variability develops that lead to scintillation and disruption of communications signals
carried through the upper atmosphere.

SORTIE

The SORTIE mIVM is the first CubeSat compatible sensor developed
and provided by the UTD Center for Space Sciences.

ROCSAT-1

ROCSAT-1, later renamed FORMOSAT-1, was the first satellite mission carried out by Taiwan’s National Space Organization (NSPO).

ICON

The Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) is a NASA Small Explorer mission lead by Dr. Thomas Immel at The University of California, Berkeley.

Research

Ground-based Radar Studies of Earth's Ionosphere
Ground-based radar systems can be used to measure height profiles of ionospheric parameters above a certain location with high temporal resolution.
Studies of the Earth’s Ionosphere and Space Weather Using Small Low-cost Sensors
It is well-recognized that small, low-cost sensors can help advance our understanding of ionospheric behavior and impact on radio systems such as those used for communication and navigation.
Numerical Modeling of Earth's Ionosphere
Physics-based models of the ionosphere, as well as analytical techniques, are used to assess the validity of our current physical description of the ionosphere. These tools can be combined with measurements from science instruments to explain ionospheric trends and behavior.