There is a growing interest in space physics and space weather in Europe, US, Japan, and China. To reach predictive capabilities in the future, it is most important to understanding the processes in the upper atmosphere and near-Earth space. The harmful effects of space processes include space radiation that can damage satellites, density variations in the
ionosphere and plasmasphere that can disturb GNSS navigation, and induced currents that can affect power grids. Increased dependence on technology in space, miniaturization of satellite hardware and the projected future appearance of autonomous vehicles is the reason why space weather has attracted so much attention in recent years. An increasing amount of data from
satellites and new space physics models require new approaches and new tools such as data assimilation and machine learning.
The Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Plasmasphere-Thermosphere (MIPT) system is driven by the solar wind and is strongly coupled. This research unit will bring together researchers to understand the coupling processes between the MIPT sub-systems. The Magnetosphere is driven by the solar wind, which determines convection, the shape of the Magnetosphere as well
as the configuration of electric and magnetic fields. The Magnetosphere is in turn strongly couple to the Ionosphere, which is also strongly influenced by the Thermosphere. The dynamics of the Plasmasphere - which is an extension of the Ionosphere - can affect the dynamics of the ring current and radiation belts. Precipitation of particles from the Magnetosphere can influence
the chemistry in the upper atmosphere.
These subsystems are usually discussed and studied in isolation, while such a complex system requires a complex approach and the coupling processes between different systems need to be better understood and quantified. The main focus of the multidisciplinary research unit will be to understand the various coupling and feedback mechanisms in the upper atmosphere and the near-Earth space and to understand how this complex system is driven by the solar wind and can influence the lower atmosphere.