EISCAT 3D an international research infrastructure
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.
Status of the Project
The Antenna Units (AU) have now been mostly installed at the three EISCAT_3D sites. The routing of fibres and electricity within the sites have also been done, though the sites in Finland and Sweden have not been powered yet. Installation of the control and monitoring systems have started in Norway. Much of the custom-built radar electronics have also been manufactured. Deliveries to the sites will be done coming autumn, 2023.
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.