Slovakia Space Science Programs
Several institutions are involved in space physics research in Slovakia, including: the SAS Institute of Experimental Physics in Kosice, collaborating with the Technical University and University of P. J. Sarafik in Kosice; the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics of the Comenius University in Bratislava; the SAS Astronomical Institute in Tatranska Lomnica; and the Geophysical Institute of SAS in Bratislava.
The current experiments in space are:
NUADU (S. McKenna Lawlor, Ireland) is an energetic neutral atom imager dedicated for mission Double Star (cooperation between China and ESA, scheduled for launching in 2003) designed and constructed with the participation of a specialist from the Institute of Experimental Physics;
An electrical support system for the communication processor for the Rosetta mission (launch scheduled in early 2003) was constructed with the participation of a specialist of the Institute of Experimental Physics (S. McKenna Lawlor, Ireland);
The project for the SPRUT energetic particle measurement complex for the International Space Station is in preparation at the Institute of Experimental Physics.
Results obtained by the Institute of Experimental Physics have been presented in papers and contributions at various international conferences. Subjects include the dynamics of energetic particles within the magnetosphere and near its borders, using measurements both from high-apogee satellites (Interball data compared with United States POLAR measurements, statistical and case studies, comparison with SOHO data via collaboration with specialists in Hungary and Ireland) and low-altitude orbits (CORONAS I measurements statistically analysed and compared with United States SAMPEX measurements, active particle data dynamics and Mir measurements). The relation of cosmic rays and cosmic energetic particles to space weather effects have also been studied. Most of the new results were reported at the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) 2002 General Assembly and the World Space Congress in Houston, Texas, United States, in October 2002.
At the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics of the Comenius University, cooperative studies on cosmic ray product computations are continuing, in collaboration with laboratories in the United States and other countries.
At the Astronomical Institute, studies of solar and heliospheric processes, along with cometary and cosmic dust research, have been continuing using satellite data available from foreign experiments.
At the Geophysical Institute, issues of space geophysics are investigated with emphasis on quantification, classification and forecasting of space weather development. The topic is of high interest to the solar-terrestrial physics community. Some interesting results obtained by means of non-linear analysis of the solar cycle, solar wind characteristics and magnetospheric fluctuations were reported at international meetings, such as the European Geophysical Society Assembly, held in Nice, France, in April 2002, and the Solar Cycle Workshop held in Prague, in September 2002. In the field of geomagnetism, magnetic storm modelling is carried out through an international project on solar wind-magnetosphere coupling. The participation of the Geophysical Institute in the project made it possible to discuss questions on possible contributors to magnetic disturbances during storms directly with participants from Germany, the Russian Federation, the United States and other countries. The scientific workshop was held in the International Space Studies Institute in Bern in 2002. Mathematical modelling of eclipse-induced geomagnetic disturbances has shown that model and experimental data are in good accord (International Solar Workshop held in Turcianske Teplice, Slovakia, in June 2002).