jsc2026e014327

The research team as part of the Nanoracks-ITSI investigation, from left: Alex Chartier (PI), Matt Bailey (engineer), Greg Merboth (engineer). This investigation aims to measure radio signals that have passed through the ionosphere in order to quantify the effects of atmospheric dynamics on propagation. Earth’s ionosphere is highly variable due to forcing by the lower atmosphere, the aurora, meteors, and the Sun among other factors. This variability has important effects on radio propagation, and accurate characterization may support efforts to mitigate its effects on technology such as radar. Credit: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

jsc2026e014327 (March 23, 2026) --- The research team as part of the Nanoracks-ITSI investigation, from left: Alex Chartier (PI), Matt Bailey (engineer), Greg Merboth (engineer). This investigation aims to measure radio signals that have passed through the ionosphere in order to quantify the effects of atmospheric dynamics on propagation. Earth’s ionosphere is highly variable due to forcing by the lower atmosphere, the aurora, meteors, and the Sun among other factors. This variability has important effects on radio propagation, and accurate characterization may support efforts to mitigate its effects on technology such as radar. Credit: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

Album Northrop_Grumman_CRS-24_Science