GREECE, the Ground-to-Rocket Electrodynamics-Electrons Correlative Experiment, is a NASA sounding rocket campaign designed to study the electromagnetic processes behind dynamic auroral displays. The goal of the GREECE mission was to make high resolution rocket and ground-based investigations of small-scale auroral structure and dynamics. The aurora is one of the most dramatic open-air manifestations of electrodynamics on Earth. The auroral light, produced by energetic electrons incident on the atmosphere, represents the end product of complex electromagnetic processes which occur further out along the Earth’s magnetic field. The scientific instruments on-board the sounding rocket were designed and fabricated by SwRI and the University of Berkeley Space Science Institute, and they were integrated at Wallops Flight Facility. The rocket flight took place successfully on March 3rd, 2014. A complete description of the mission and the events leading up to the launch are available here.
Alumni Involvement
