Design of Ionosphere Sensor for Total Electron Content Measurement

National Institute of Aeronautics Space (LAPAN) develops satellites for many
applications, such as for remote sensing, with camera and sensors for atmospheric parameter
measurement. Distribution of electron density in altitude 60 to 1000 km, is very important for
many applications, such as for radio communication and as early warning indicator. Many papers
indicate the correlation of electron density variation to earthquake event and also mountain
eruption. For covering wider area on ionosphere region of earth are needed a sensor based on
satellite to collect the ionospheric data. Nanosatellite in constellation give more data in space and
time. Although nanosatellite limited in of size and power, some nanosatellites already
implemented and launched for scientific mission. In this research, we conduct a simulation and
then fabrication steps, to validate the consistency of simulation one and the measurement. The
antenna for beacon transmitter, and for telemetry has been fabricated and have a good result with
antenna gain more than 4 dB. This paper discusses the design of ionospheric sensor that is
proposed for ionospheric TEC measurement and its progress.