The principal research areas of the space science research group lie in the studies of the ionosphere and mid-upper levels of the atmosphere, along with the observations regarding the space environment and space weather. The current ground-based observational equipments include 30MHz and 52MHz VHF radars, magnetometers, four digital ionosondes of Digisonde, Dynasonde, CADI and PARUS, a satellite beacon receiving network for ionospheric tomography and scintillation observations, a CW-HF Doppler sounding system, a microwave radiometer, a disdrometer, a Ka-band experimental radar and other relevant equipments. In addition, the group also works in close coordination with the National Space Program Office’s sounding rocket projects and the FORMOSAT-1 and FORMOSAT-3 satellite programs. The broad range of scientific researches includes tropospheric front, lightening, typhoon and other severe weather conditions, atmospheric tide in the mesosphere, irregular perturbation of ionospheric electron density, dynamics of neutral winds, equatorial anomalies of the ionosphere, plasma bubbles and their dynamic structures, sporadic E and spread F irregularities, radio wave scintillations, meteorite observations, strong perturbations within the magnetosphere and ionosphere induced by the solar wind and interplanetary medium during solar storm events, and their inducing of cataclysmic changes to the space environment.

The research team is able to provide global and three-dimensional ionospheric electron density maps, regional ionospheric tomographys in mid- and low-latitudes, ionospheric parameters and vertical electron density distribution above the Taiwan area, and prognosis of earthquakes. Moreover, in accordance with the FORMOSAT-1 and FORMOSAT-3 satellite missions, the group also fully integrates ground-based observations with data acquired by the satellites and develops the analyses and studies of space weather within the ionosphere and even higher that reaches space. Regular forecasts of the space weather can be made to provide vital information on the areas of radio-frequency communications, space environment monitoring, as well as the continued development of our planet. Beginning in 2005, the National Space Program Office has laid out several plans in sounding rocket launching and conducted relevant studies in rocket payloads and space sciences. The group has already actively participated in these projects, such as in the design and development of various equipment payloads including the Plasma Density Probe, the electric field meter, the Ion Trap, and the Trimethyl Aluminum (TMA) to trace the velocity and movement of neutral winds in the ionosphere.

Ionospheric Sounding Laboratory Wave Propagation Laboratory