NSF Strategies for AMISR
Deployments
Bob Robinson
Geospace Facilities Program
Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences
Geosciences Directorate
NSF-supported
ISRs--2012
The NSF Incoherent
Scatter
Radar Chain-2007
Chain-2006
AMISR- Resolute
Bay (RISR)
PFR
2007
PFISR
2007
RISR
2008
Sondrestrom (SRF)
SRF
SRF
1982
1982
AMISRPoker Flat
MH
MH
1962
1962
AMISR-Poker
Flat (PFISR)
Jicamarca (JRO)
AO
AO
1962
1962
Millstone Hill (MH)
JRO
JRO
1963
1963
Jicamarca (JRO)
Arecibo (AO)
AMISR Math
16-Panel
Sub-Array
Panel:
32
Antenna
Element
Units
128
Panels
Full Array
Possible AMISR Configurations
AMISR-24
(128 panels)
AMISR-14
(64 panels)
AMISR-12
(32 panels)
AMISR-23
(96 panels)
AMISR-21
(32 panels)
AMISR-22
(64 panels)
AMISR-11
(16 panels)
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.
Future
NSF ISR
Network
The NSF Possible
Incoherent
Scatter
Radar
Chain-2006
Chain-2007
AMISRSub-auroral
(1/2 face)
RISR
(1.5 faces)
PFR
2007
Sondrestrom
Sondrestrom (SRF)
(SRF)
SRF
SRF
1982
1982
AMISRPoker Flat
MH
MH
1962
1962
AO
AO
1962
1962
Jicamarca (JRO)
Jicamarca (JRO)
Argentina (AIRES)
Millstone Hill
Hill (MH)
(MH)
Millstone
JRO
JRO
1963
1963
McMurdo (MAISR)
Arecibo (AO)
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)
The Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR)
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
Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radar (RISR)
Features:
Highest latitude ISR
Excellent partnership with Canada
Many instruments already on site
Technical support from local contractors
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