The purpose of the Beam PIE experiment is to use an electron beam to generate VLF radio waves, detect the resulting radio waves using electric field antennas on a separate receiver payload and to measure ambient plasma conditions and dependence of waves on those conditions. This mission also intends to measure possible effects of the waves on local plasma electrons and detect the effects of the beam on the atmosphere using optical and radar measurements.

The Principal Investigator is Dr. Reeves/Los Alamos National Laboratory.

The Black Brant XII-A is a four stage sounding rocket with a Talos first stage, Terrier second stage, Black Brant third stage and a Nihka fourth stage. The Black Brant XII-A can reach altitudes of about 1400 km. Payloads weighing from 300 to 1000 pounds can be flown. Additional sounding rocket vehicles

Additional sounding rocket vehicles.

The Beam-PIE payload was launched from Poker Flat Research Range, AK on November 9, 2023.