The purpose of the ACES-2 experiment was to determine the distribution of the ionospheric currents and the associated energy dissipation in a stable arc, and determine the role of the Alfven resonator in governing the structuring of current closure. Two Black Brant IX sounding rockets were launched for these experiments.

For more information, see: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2022/sun/rockets-to-uncover-electric-circuit-that-powers-the-northern-lights

The Principal Investigator is Dr. Bounds/University of Iowa

The Black Brant 9 is a two stage sounding rocket with a Terrier first stage and Black Brant second stage. The Black Brant 9 can reach altitudes of about 600 km. Payloads weighing from 400 to 1200 pounds can be flown.

Additional sounding rocket vehicles

 

The ACES-2 payloads were launched from Andoya Space, Norway on November 20, 2022.