Missions

With the continued growth in the use of small satellites orbiting in near-Earth space for communications, trade, positioning and Earth system studies, understanding the radiative environment, produced by energetic particles, is becoming crucial as it can damage onboard electronics. This environment strongly depends on solar activity and the magnetosphere response. In this context, we are interested in its fine caracterisation in the near-Earth space and in the feasibility of new measurements allowing an optimal monitoring of this medium. 

This subject is proposed in the framework of the PACTE-ESPACE project (Physique ACTivE des particules énergétiques, des ondes, et de leurs interactions dans l'ESPACE proche Terre), funded by ANR ASTRID and involving LPP, CEA DAM, IRAP and Airbus DS. 

The subject is constituted by two parts: a space data analysis and an instrumental study which will be carried out in parallell  The balance between the two activities will be adapted depending on the candidate's profile. 

The first part will aim at analysing measurements, from multi-sateliite missions, of whistler mode waves, lightning waves, hiss waves evolving inside the plasmasphere and the whistler chorus mode waves, detected outside the plasmasphere. On the basis of these measurements, the candidate will obtain statistical properties of the waves from which empirical models will be derived. Modern methods of machine learning such as neural networks can be used. Measurements of energetic particules related to the waves can be added in order to better understand the mechanisms of wave generation or the wave/particle interactions.  Cluster (ESA), THEMIS (NASA) et MMS (NASA) measurements will be used in relation with e-POP, Van Allen Probes (NASA) and Arase (JAXA) measurements.

The second part, related to instrumentation and mission profile, will be based on the knowledge of the environment  obtained from the analyses in order to study the feasibility of new measurements aimed at making progress in the understanding of the radiative environment. The candidate will define the characteristics of the wave instrument (magnetic and if possible electric measurements) notably by taking into account the constraint of the limited size of a small satellite. She/he will define the science requirement matrix and its related instrument requirement matrix, the matrix of risks and the associated estimate cost. Finally, she/he will contribute to the preliminary design of an adapted mission profile.

Activités

The work will include: 
- Statistical analyses of in situ wave and particle data 
 - Development of diagnostics (in python) 
- Development of empirical modelsof wave properties 
- study of wave generation and/or of wave/particle interaction  
- Définition of the instrument suite for the electromagnetic wave measurements onboard small satellites and study of a space mission profile.  
- the publication of scientific results

Compétences

The applicant should have completed a PhD in Plasma Physics, Space Physics, Astrophysics, Physics or related fields and published scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals. Experience in python coding and/or in in-situ space data analysis will be appreciated. A good knowledge of written and spoken scientific English is required, as well as a rigorous work and capabilities to work in a team.

Contexte de travail

The Laboratory of Plasmas Physics (LPP) (https://www.lpp.fr) is a Joint Research Unit of the National Research Institute (CNRS), based at the Campus Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris, Jussieu) and at Ecole Polytechnique near Paris. The successful candidate will join the “Space Plasmas” team which is internationally known for its expertise in developing wave and particle in-situ measurement instruments, data analysis and numerical simulations. The position is funded for one year and will be granted on the basis of past experience. The position will be open until it is filled.