Spacetrack Directory Name | FIREFLY |
Orbit launches | 2013-11-20 |
Deorbitation date | 2017-11-01 |
Days in orbit | 1442 |
Country/organisation of origin | USA (US) |
Starting point | WLPIS (Wallops Island) |
WWW | Here |
Investigate Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs). How are TGFs produced? Current evidence suggests production deep in the atmosphere, near the tops of thunderclouds. Another possibility, which may occur at the same time, is high-altitude production in the 30-80 km altitude range. What types of lightning produce TGFs, and how do they differ from non-TGF lightning? How common ar the TFGs? How large an area do they cover? What effect do they have on the upper atmosphere and near-Earth space? To what extent do they represent a source of energetic electrons for the inner radiation belt?