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APL has been a pioneer in space science and
engineering for over 40 years. We strive to set new paradigms for innovative
space missions, and do so in an expeditious, cost-effective manner while achieving
our scientific and technological objectives. We have designed, built, tested
and launched 62 spacecraft and over 150 instruments since 1959 to investigate
various science questions. Although the work of launching a spacecraft is challenging
enough, the ultimate goal is to return scientific products that provide answers
to our investigations.
Beginning in the late 1950's, our research
focused on the near Earth environment and the interaction of the Sun's energy
with the Earth's environment. While that remains a key research are, our interests
have expanded to include fields such as planetary science, atmospheric physics,
ocean environments, and the interplanetary medium. APL conducts science research
in an academic manner, though competitive awards, peer reviews, and publications
in peer reviewed journals.
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Energetic charged particles
(Tech Digest
Article)
The study of energetic charged particles and magnetic fields in space
was at the beginning of APL's research into space physics. Although these
studies originated with the Earth's magnetic fields, research has expanded
to explore the magnetic fields around our neighboring planets. Recent
discoveries and surprises will lead to greatly improved predictions of
space weather and its effects on systems operating in space as well as
on Earth's surface.
Relevant Missions: ACE
, AMPTE,
APEX,
Aurora,
Cassini/MIMI,
Geotail/EPIC,
Flare
Genesis, Freja,
Galileo
EPD, IMAGE/HENA
,IMP-8,
MSX,
SSUSI,
STEREO,
Stormwatch
, SuperDARN,
TIMED,
UARS,
Ulysses,
UPOS,
Voyager/LECP
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Auroral Imaging
(Tech Digest
Article)
As new instruments have been developed to study the Earth's aurora, we
learn more about how energy and mass are transferred from the Sun to the
Earth. Auroral imaging is key to understanding space weather because aurora
are visible manifestations of the highly variable interaction between
the Sun and the Earth's magnetosphere, upper atmosphere, and ionosphere.
We are just beginning to investigate the phenomenon of aurora on our nearby
planets
Relevant Missions: HILAT/AIM, Delta 180, Polar BEAR/AIRS,
Delta 181, MSX/UVISI,
TIMED/GUVI,
DMSP/SSUSI
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Solar Physics
(Tech Digest
Article)
Solar research at APL aims to understand the physics that govern solar
activity and its effects on our planet. Solar "proton showers"
disable satellites and endanger astronauts. Solar activity also causes
geomagnetic storms, which can lead to communication disruptions, electric
power network problems, satellite orbit shifts, and even satellite failure.
Predicting storm conditions requires understanding solar magnetism and
its fluctuations.
Relevant Missions: ACE,
AMPTE,
APEX,
Aurora,
Cassini/MIMI,
Geotail/EPIC,
Flare
Genesis, Freja,
Galileo
EPD, IMAGE/HENA,
IMP-8,
MESSENGER,
MSX,
SSUSI,
STEREO,
SuperDARN,
TIMED,
UARS,
UPOS
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Planetary Science
(Tech Digest
Article)
Planetary science concerns the planets themselves, their surfaces, atmospheres,
interiors and satellite systems, and the smaller members of the solar
system such as comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. Exploration of the solar
system involves learning not only about present day processes and conditions,
but also about the origins of the solar system, the geologic histories
of the planets and smaller bodies, and the origins of life.
Relevant Missions: ACE,
Cassini/MIMI,
CONTOUR,
CRISM,
FUSE,
Galileo
EPD, IMAGE/HENA,
MESSENGER,
MSX,
NEAR,
New
Horizons, Ulysses,
Voyager/LECP
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Atmosphere and Ionosphere
(Tech Digest
Article)
An APL instrument produced the first full-color image of the Earth from
space on 25 July 1968. Since then we have produced a line of unique and
powerful sensors that tell us about the Earth's atmosphere and its response
to solar inputs. APL's research into the Earths atmosphere and ionosphere,
conducted from both the ground and satellites, employs optical remote,
radar remote and particle remote sensing.
Relevant Missions: ACE,
AMPTE,
APEX,
Aurora,
Geotail/EPIC,
Flare
Genesis, Freja,
IMAGE/HENA,
IMP-8,
MSX,
SSUSI,
STEREO,
Stormwatch,
Ulysses,
Voyager/LECP,
SuperDARN,
TIMED,
UARS,
UPOS
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Ocean Remote Sensing
(Tech Digest
Article)
Scientists and engineers in the APL Space Department have contributed
to ocean remote sensing science and technology for more than a quarter
century. APL Radar altimeters have set the standard for measurement precision
and reliability, and concepts for new instruments promise to maintain
this leadership. A variety of techniques for extracting quantitative information
about ocean winds, waves, and currents from radar images will help to
address environmental issues.
Relevant Pages: Ocean
Remote Sensing
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