EISCAT 3D Next Generation Geospace Radar in the European Arctic
EISCAT 3D will be an international research infrastructure, using radar observations and the incoherent scatter technique for studies of the atmosphere and near-Earth space environment above the Fenno-Scandinavian Arctic as well as for support of the solar system and radio astronomy sciences. The radar system is designed to investigate how the Earth’s atmosphere is coupled to space but it will also be suitable for a wide range of other scientific targets for e.g space weather forecasts, detecting space debris and climate research.
EISCAT 3D will be operated by EISCAT Scientific Association and hence be an integral part of an organization that has successfully operated incoherent scatter radars for more than 40 years.
Description
EISCAT is currently building the most advanced high-power three-dimensional imaging radar for atmospheric, ionospheric and near-Earth space investigations. The fully steerable, tri-static, phased-array incoherent scatter radar is located in Skibotn (Norway), Karesuvanto (Finland), and Kaiseniemi (Sweden).
he transmit-receive array at Skibotn consists of about 10,000 aerials and ten 91-aerial outrigger receivers in the immediate vicinity. The receive-only arrays of Kaiseniemi and Karesuvanto consist of about 5,000 aerials each.
Construction of the facility began after the project kick-off in September 2017. First test measurements with a mono-static core system will be carried out early 2024. During 2024, EISCAT_3D will gradually expand to fully tri-static operations.
Status of the Project
The Antenna Units (AU) have now been installed at the three EISCAT_3D sites. The routing of fibres and electricity within the sites have also been done. Installation of the control and monitoring systems have started in Norway. Much of the custom-built radar electronics have also been manufactured.
Visit the EISCAT 3D FAQ-section for more information.
Implementation
Stage 1: Three sites
Stage 2: Transmitter upgrade to 10 MW
Stage 3: Adding a fourth site
Stage 4: Fifth site added
The first stage is now being constructed. The system will be fully implemented when Stage 4 has been completed.