Radiation Belt Storm Probes Ion Composition Experiment (RBSPICE) Revisited: In-Flight Calibrations, Lessons Learned and Scientific Advances

Abstract

AbstractThe Radiation Belt Storm Probes Ion Composition Experiment (RBSPICE) on both the Van Allen Probes spacecraft is a time-of-flight versus total energy instrument that provided ion composition data over the ring current energy (∼7 keV to ∼1 MeV), and electrons over the energy range ∼25 keV to ∼1 MeV throughout the duration of the mission (2012 – 2019). In this paper we present instrument calibrations, implemented after the Van Allen Probes mission was launched. In particular, we discuss updated rate dependent corrections, possible contamination by “accidentals” rates, and caveats concerning the use of certain products. We also provide a summary of the major advances in ring current science, obtained from RBSPICE observations, and their implications for the future of inner magnetosphere exploration.