Space Environment Program

The Office of Naval Research Space Environment Program investigates physical and chemical processes that govern active and passive electromagnetic spectrum scattering from the Earth's surface, and propagation through the upper atmosphere and the near space environment. Of particular interest for surface effects is short water wave roughness modulation mechanisms; surfactant effects; intermittency in wave breaking and non-linear water waves. Research is directed toward improving the knowledge base for development of mechanistic EO/EM clutter models and automatic target recognition, and to investigate techniques that invert sensor information for the development of algorithms for assimilation into environmental models. Additional interests include electromagnetic scattering theory, microwave properties, scattering surface characterization, and wave and flux modulation mechanisms.

Space research interests include improved specification of the global ionosphere and studies of ionospheric irregularities which impact radio frequency propagation at all frequencies up to and including those used by the GPS system. Investigations of space weather phenomena are directed toward improved understanding and forecast of solar, heliospheric and magnetospheric disturbances which produce C4I outages and destroy or degrade Naval space assets. Investigations of upper atmospheric composition and dynamics are supported to improve specification of satellite drag and other space applications. Additional research interests include precise time and time interval, Earth orientation, and astrometry for autonomous navigation and synchronization of Naval systems.