Our colleagues had been, and currently are participating in magnetospheric studies using the plasma measurements of several space missions.
We have extensively analyzed the processes of the terrestrial magnetic field using the charged particle measurements (RAPID) of the Cluster probes. Our main focus was on the boundary layers and upstream processes, wave particle interactions near the bow shock, related to plasma instabilities. Read more about our results and publications. We currently maintain the Hungarian Data Centre for Cluster. For further information about the project please click here.
We also took part in the already concluded Venus Express mission, and used the ASPERA-4 instrument to study the interaction between the ionosphere and the solar wind, which creates an induced magnetosphere around the planet, which has no internal magnetic field. This interaction also contributes to atmospheric loss through the wake.
During the Cassini mission to Saturn we participated in studies of the different magnetospheric regions from the inner magnetosphere (using MIMI-LEMMS measurements) to the boundary layers (using CAPS and MAG data) and Titan's interactions with its plasma environment. We also focused on upstream processes and shock reformation in the quasi-parallel regime. Read more about our results and publications.
As for upcoming missions we are participating and CO-I members of the JUICE and BepiColombo missions, of which the latter has already been on its way to Mercury since 2018, and will arrive at its target in 2025.