Daedalus MASE (mission assessment through simulation exercise): A toolset for analysis of in situ missions and for processing global circulation model outputs in the lower thermosphere-ionosphere

Daedalus MASE (Mission Assessment through Simulation Exercise) is an open-source package of scientific analysis tools aimed at research in the Lower Thermosphere-Ionosphere (LTI). It was created with purpose to assess performance and demonstrate closure mission objectives Daedalus, a concept targeting perform in-situ measurements LTI. However, its successful usage as mission-simulator toolset, has evolved encompass numerous capabilities related LTI science modeling. Inputs are geophysical observables LTI, which can be obtained either from spacecraft rockets, or Global Circulation Models (GCM). These include ion, neutral electron densities, ion composition, temperatures, drifts, winds, electric field, magnetic field. In examples presented, these NCAR’s Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Electrodynamics General Model. Capabilities include: 1) Calculations products that derived above observables, such Joule heating, energy transfer rates between species, electrical currents, conductivity, ion-neutral collision frequencies all combinations well height-integrations products. 2) Calculation cross-comparison estimates effect using different models into 3) uncertainties based on due instrument errors measurement techniques. 4) Routines for along-orbit interpolation within gridded datasets GCMs. 5) calculation global coverage situ regions interest various conditions solar geomagnetic activity. 6) statistical significance obtaining primary throughout mission’s lifetime. 7) visualization 3D GCMs along orbit. code accompanied by set Jupyter Notebooks, incorporating required theory, references, codes plotting user-friendly environment. developed maintained Department Electrical Computer Engineering Democritus University Thrace, key contributions several partner institutions.