ISEE-1 PWE: Plasma Wave Spectrum Analyzer Data from 1977

Plasma wave spectrum data from the ISEE-1 satellite's Plasma Wave Instrument (PWI). The dataset originates from a pair of high time resolution spectrum analyzers designed to resolve bursty or nonlinear wave emissions, covering frequencies from 5.62 Hz. The International Sun-Earth Explorer program, a collaboration involving NASA and the European Space Agency, launched ISEE-1 in October 1977 to study the Earth's magnetosphere and solar wind.

Use Cases

• Analyze bursty or nonlinear wave emissions based on the high time resolution spectrum measurements described.
• Study magnetospheric boundary dynamics based on data from satellites designed to resolve space-time ambiguity at thin boundaries like the bow shock.
• Correlate upstream solar wind conditions with Earth observations based on the ISEE-3 'halo orbit' mission profile described.
• Investigate wave normal and Poynting flux characteristics based on the instrument's described measurement capabilities.

Strengths

• Data from a dedicated satellite mission with thirteen complementary experiments for waves, fields, plasma, and particles.
• Instrument designed for high time resolution to resolve transient wave phenomena.
• Antenna system included three electric dipoles (215, 73.5, 0.61 meters) and a triaxial search coil for comprehensive field measurements.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last updated 2026-03-13 06:42:50.441985; freshness should be verified as data is from a 1977 mission.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Measurements from the ISEE-1 satellite's Plasma Wave Instrument (PWI) spectrum analyzers.

Time Range

Mission launched October 22, 1977; specific data collection period not specified.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 06:42:50.441985; freshness should be verified as data is from a 1977 mission.

Geography

Geocentric and heliocentric orbits, including magnetosphere, magnetosheath, and deep tail region.