Geospace Exploration Mission: ERG Project

Abstract

This paper describes a small-satellite mission for geospace exploration ERG (Energization and Radiation in Geospace) that aims at understanding the acceleration process of relativistic electrons and dynamical variations of the space storm. The project consists of not only the satellite mission but also ground-based observations and integrated studies/simulation teams. The satellite will be launched into the inner magnetosphere around the next solar maximum. In efforts to understand the cross-energy coupling process that is essential to generate relativistic electrons and the dynamical evolution of space storms, the satellite is equipped with instruments for comprehensively observing plasma/particles, fields and waves. Possible international collaborations are also discussed in this paper.