The capturing ionospheric coupling and dynamic aurora (CICADA) nanosatellite mission concept

The Capturing Ionospheric Coupling and Dynamic Aurora (CICADA) mission comprises a nanosatellite-based investigation to connect visible auroral signatures with their underlying wave–particle interactions and magnetospheric drivers. CICADA addresses three key science objectives: quantifying the fraction of a dynamic discrete arc aurora associated with Alfvénic activity, determining the proportion of precipitating auroral electrons causally linked to Alfvén waves, and elucidating the relationships between the field-aligned currents and pulsating auroral patches. By integrating in situ measurements of the magnetic fields, electric fields, plasma density, and precipitating electrons with co-located auroral imaging on a single 16U nanosatellite in low Earth orbit (400–600 km), CICADA enables detailed analysis of energy transfer from the magnetosphere to the ionosphere. This mission demonstrates a novel Alfvénic wave–particle correlator technique and paves the way for future explorations of the auroral acceleration region at higher altitudes. CICADA contributes to the understanding of fundamental plasma processes, such as waves, turbulence, and magnetic reconnections, which govern energy transport in space plasmas. By operating in a sun-synchronous or polar orbit for at least 6 months, the mission aims to sample diverse geomagnetic conditions and provide statistically robust datasets. Using cost-effective commercial nanosatellite platforms and innovative deployable instrumentation, CICADA advances nanosatellite capabilities for heliophysics and offers insights into auroral dynamics that will help inform our understanding of space weather.