Overview

The JEM-GLIMS (Global Lightning and Sprite MeasurementS) mission aimed to observe lightning and sprites (high-altitude discharge phenomena associated with lightning discharges) occurring in Earth’s atmosphere. This mission started in November 2012 and concluded in 2020. JEM-GLIMS was led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and was mounted on the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” of the International Space Station (ISS).

JEM-GLIMS, installed on the ISS orbiting Earth, is equipped with multiple observation instruments to precisely monitor lightning and sprites in Earth’s atmosphere. This mission was expected to elucidate the mechanisms of lightning and sprite occurrences and their impacts.

Observation Instruments

CMOS cameras (LSI: Lightning and Sprite Imager)

JEM-GLIMS is equipped with two CMOS cameras (LSI: Lightning and Sprite Imager). LSI1 observes the wavelength range of 765-830 nm, while LSI2 covers the 762±5 nm range. These cameras have a temporal resolution of 33 milliseconds and a spatial resolution of 400 meters on the ground, allowing for detailed imaging of lightning and sprites.

6-channel photometers (PH: Photometers)

The 6-channel photometers (PH: Photometers) consist of four narrowband channels and two broadband channels, with a field of view (FOV) of 42.7° (PH4 has 86.8°). These photometers have a temporal resolution of 50 microseconds, enabling precise measurement of the light intensity of lightning and sprites.

VHF receiver (VITF: VHF Interferometer)

The two VHF receivers (VITF: VHF Interferometer) cover a frequency range of 70-100 MHz and have a temporal resolution of 5 nanoseconds. This allows for the high-precision detection of radio signals associated with lightning discharges.

VLF receiver (VLFR: VLF Receiver)

The VLF receiver (VLFR: VLF Receiver) covers a frequency range of 1-30 kHz and has a temporal resolution of 10 microseconds. This enables the high-precision detection of low-frequency radio signals associated with lightning discharges.

Achieved Results

The JEM-GLIMS mission provided new insights into the mechanisms of lightning and sprite occurrences. In particular, it enhanced the understanding of the impact of lightning discharges on atmospheric chemical components and the conditions for sprite formation. This has advanced research in meteorology and atmospheric science, and it is expected to contribute to improved prediction accuracy for lightning and sprites in the future.