Observing Cusp High-Altitude Reconnection and Electrodynamics: The TRACERS Student Rocket.

Area of Science:

• Space Physics
• Aerospace Engineering
• Planetary Science

Background:

• The Earth's polar cusp is a critical region for understanding space weather.
• Previous sounding rocket missions like TRICE-II have provided valuable data.
• Complementary observations are needed to fully understand cusp dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide high-altitude observations in the northern polar cusp.
• To educate and mentor students and early career researchers (ECRs) in space science.
• To answer remaining questions from TRICE-II using TRACERS data for context.

Main Methods:

• A sounding rocket mission (OCHRE) designed for high-altitude flight.
• Near-simultaneous observations with the TRACERS satellites.
• Leveraging institutional knowledge from the TRACERS science team.
• Student and ECR leadership in mission roles.

Main Results:

• Expected to provide unique data from the polar cusp.
• Will offer insights into reconnection and electrodynamics.
• Will contextualize sounding rocket data with larger-scale satellite observations.

Conclusions:

• OCHRE will enhance understanding of polar cusp processes.
• The mission serves as a valuable training platform for future scientists.
• Synergistic data from OCHRE and TRACERS will advance space physics research.