Feasibility of a multisatellite investigation of the Earth's magnetosphere with radio tomography

We describe the scientific motivation, basic principles, and feasibility of a relatively new measurement technique, radio tomography, and show how it can be used to investigate the Earth's magnetosphere. We demonstrate that a multisatellite radio tomography experiment can produce two‐dimensional images of plasma density in the Earth's magnetosphere at sufficient spatial (1/2 RE) and temporal (∼10 s) resolution to address key problems of magnetospheric physics. The imaging technique incorporates well‐established radio science methods and computed tomography. Several coplanar satellites are required in orbits that encompass the imaged area. We suggest that the large‐scale images are more valuable when combined with in situ observations, supporting an unambiguous interpretation of the in situ data and an investigation of the interdependence of small‐ and large‐scale plasma processes.