NSF Strategies for AMISR

Deployments

Bob Robinson

Geospace Facilities Program

Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences

Geosciences Directorate

AO

1962

JRO

1963

MH

1962

SRF

1982

The NSF Incoherent Scatter Radar Chain-2006

Sondrestrom (SRF)

Millstone Hill (MH)

Arecibo (AO)

Jicamarca (JRO)

AO

1962

JRO

1963

MH

1962

SRF

1982

The NSF Incoherent Scatter Radar Chain-2007

Sondrestrom (SRF)

Millstone Hill (MH)

Arecibo (AO)

Jicamarca (JRO)

AMISR-

Poker Flat

PFR

2007

AO

1962

JRO

1963

MH

1962

SRF

1982

NSF-supported ISRs--2012

Sondrestrom (SRF)

Millstone Hill (MH)

Arecibo (AO) Jicamarca (JRO)

AMISR-Poker

Flat (PFISR)

PFISR

2007

RISR

2008

AMISR- Resolute

Bay (RISR)

AMISR Math

Panel:

32

Antenna

Element

Units

16-Panel

Sub-Array

128

Panels

Full Array

AMISR-24

(128 panels)

AMISR-23

(96 panels)

AMISR-22

(64 panels)

AMISR-14

(64 panels)

AMISR-12

(32 panels)

AMISR-21

(32 panels)

AMISR-11

(16 panels)

Possible AMISR Configurations

AMISR Status • Poker Flat AMISR (PFISR) began operation in January

2007

• One face of AMISR at Resolute Bay (RISR) began operating Fall 2008

• A second face at Resolute Bay has been constructed with funding from Canada Foundation for Innovation

• 14 AMISR panels to be deployed in Argentina through MRI funding

• 128 panels will be moved from Poker Flat to Argentina in 2013

• Proposal under review to build AMISR system in McMurdo; a possible option is to move 64 panels from Resolute Bay in exchange for Office of Polar Programs purchasing 64 new panels.

AO

1962

JRO

1963

MH

1962

SRF

1982

The NSF Incoherent Scatter Radar Chain-2006

Sondrestrom (SRF)

Millstone Hill (MH)

Arecibo (AO)

Jicamarca (JRO)

AO

1962

JRO

1963

MH

1962

SRF

1982

The NSF Incoherent Scatter Radar Chain-2007

Sondrestrom (SRF)

Millstone Hill (MH)

Arecibo (AO)

Jicamarca (JRO)

AMISR-

Poker Flat

PFR

2007

Possible Future NSF ISR Network

Sondrestrom (SRF)

Millstone Hill (MH)

Arecibo (AO)

Jicamarca (JRO)

AMISR-

Sub-auroral

(1/2 face)

Argentina (AIRES) McMurdo (MAISR)

RISR

(1.5 faces)

Options for getting advice

• NSF assembles a committee

• NSF asks someone else to assemble a

committee (e. g. National Academy)

• NSF issues a solicitation

• NSF organizes an open workshop

Considerations in Developing

AMISR Deployment Strategies

• Science

• Geophysical constraints (location, timing)

• Ancillary instrumentation

• Logistics (cost, power availability, frequency allocation, site support, etc.)

• Partnerships

• Politics

• Global coverage

• The versatility and flexibility of the AMISR design

• Other opportunities (e. g. space missions)

Features: Proximity to Poker Flat Rocket Range

Full array of optical instruments nearby

Commercial power available (Able to operate at low duty cycle for

prolonged measurements.)

Technical support from U. of Alaska and Rocket Range

The Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR)

Features: Highest latitude ISR

Excellent partnership with Canada

Many instruments already on site

Technical support from local contractors

Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radar (RISR)

Funding opportunities for AMISR

development and deployment

• MRI (Major Research Instrumentation)

• DURIP (Defense University Research

Instrumentation Program)

• Mid-size Infrastructure funding opportunities

(GEO, AGS, OPP)

• MREFC (Major Research Equipment and

Facility Construction)

• International Partnering (Canada Foundation

for Innovation, SuperDARN)

Partnerships for Enhanced

Engagement in Research (PEER)

• U. S. Agency for International Development

(USAID) will provide support for scientists in

developing countries for:

– Laboratory improvement

– Equipment

– Education

– Research

In collaboration with NSF-funded scientists at U.

S institutions.

PEER technical areas of interest

include, but not limited to:

• Food security

• Global health

• Climate change

• Other topics: disaster mitigation,

biodiversity, water, and renewable

energy.

Steps to Proposing New AMISR

deployment locations

• Identify a scientifically compelling location

• Convene a workshop or other venue for soliciting broad community input

• Prepare a document describing the scientific rationale for the location

• Conduct a site survey to investigate logistical aspects, partnering opportunities, student participation, etc.

• Work with NSF throughout, particularly with regard to funding strategies