A Model of High-Energy Electron Flows in GLONASS Orbits

Modeling the dynamics of energetic electron flows in the Earth’s inner magnetosphere is an important problem in the study of “space weather,” due to the role that energetic electrons play in spacecraft equipment failures. This paper examines the possibility of constructing an empirical model of electron flows in a medium-altitude circular orbit of GLONASS satellites. Measurements from the Radiation Belt Storm Probes satellite mission for 2012–2019 were used as the main source of flux data. Near-equatorial Radiation Belt Storm Probes measurements are projected onto the orbital altitudes of GLONASS satellites using an empirical magnetic field model. The main feature of the presented model of energetic electron fluxes is that, instead of providing just the average flux, this model reconstructs the probability distribution function of flux amplitudes depending on the electron energy and geomagnetic conditions.