The Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope (REPT) Investigation: Design, Operational Properties, and Science Highlights

Daniel N. Baker; Shrikanth G. Kanekal; Vaughn Hoxie; Xinlin Li; Allison N. Jaynes; Hong Zhao; Scot R. Elkington; John C. Foster; Richard Selesnick; Binbin Ni; Harlan Spence; Rachel Filwett

doi:10.1007/s11214-021-00838-3

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The Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope (REPT) Investigation: Design, Operational Properties, and Science Highlights

Journal article

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The Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope (REPT) Investigation: Design, Operational Properties, and Science Highlights

Daniel N. Baker, Shrikanth G. Kanekal, Vaughn Hoxie, Xinlin Li, Allison N. Jaynes, Hong Zhao, Scot R. Elkington, John C. Foster, Richard Selesnick, Binbin Ni, …

Space science reviews, Vol.217(5), 68

08/01/2021

DOI: 10.1007/s11214-021-00838-3

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Abstract

The Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope (REPT) instruments were designed to measure similar to 2 to >18 MeV electrons and similar to 18 to > 115 MeV protons as part of the science payloads onboard the dual Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) spacecraft. The REPT instruments were turned on and configured in their science acquisition modes about 2 days after the RBSP launch on 30 August 2012. The REPT-A and REPT-B instruments both operated flawlessly until mission cessation in 2019. This paper reviews briefly the REPT instrument designs, their operational performance, relevant mode changes and trending over the course of the mission, as well as pertinent background effects (and recommended corrections). A substantial part of this paper highlights discoveries and significant advancement of our understanding of physical-processes obtained using REPT data. We do this for energetic electrons primarily in the outer Van Allen belt and for energetic protons in the inner Van Allen zone. The review also describes several ways in which REPT data were employed for important space weather applications. The paper concludes with assessments of ways that REPT data might further be exploited to continue to advance radiation belt studies. The paper also discusses the pressing and critical need for the operational continuation of REPT-like measurements both for science and for space situational awareness.

Physical Sciences

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Science & Technology

Details

Title: Subtitle: The Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope (REPT) Investigation: Design, Operational Properties, and Science Highlights
Creators: Daniel N. Baker - Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
Shrikanth G. Kanekal - Goddard Space Flight Center
Vaughn Hoxie - Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
Xinlin Li - University of Colorado Boulder
Allison N. Jaynes - University of Iowa
Hong Zhao - Auburn University
Scot R. Elkington - University of Colorado Boulder
John C. Foster - MIT, Haystack Observ, Westford, MA 01886 USA
Richard Selesnick - U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate
Binbin Ni - Wuhan University
Harlan Spence - University of New Hampshire
Rachel Filwett - Univ Iowa, Dept Phys & Astron, Iowa City, IA USA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Space science reviews, Vol.217(5), 68
DOI: 10.1007/s11214-021-00838-3
ISSN: 0038-6308
eISSN: 1572-9672
Publisher: Springer Nature
Number of pages: 75
Grant note: NNN06AA01C; 17-003 / Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab thru University of New Hampshire
Language: English
Date published: 08/01/2021
Academic Unit: Physics and Astronomy; University College Courses
Record Identifier: 9984429059302771

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