The ICI-5 mission launched on a NASA sounding rocket from the Ny-Ålesund Norwegian launch site on Nov. 26.

ICI-5, or Investigation of Cusp Irregularities-5, reached 157 miles in altitude before returning back to Earth. Following the launch, it was quickly reported that the science team picked a prime science event.  All payload events were reported as nominal and a solid track was provided by both the Norwegian and NASA ground assets. Unfortunately, after data review, it was apparent that a roll rate anomaly was experienced, precluding the instruments from functioning as intended.

The main scientific instruments were the two Andøya Space/University of Oslo (UiO) 4DSpace modules, each containing ejectable 6 sub-payloads.  Led by the UiO, the multinational science team that included researchers from Norway, United States, and Canada. 

The University of Iowa developed two space instruments on the rocket, a Fluxgate Magnetometer, led by Dr. Miles and a Bifocal Electron Sensor, led by Dr. Jasper Halekas.

The mission was intended to investigate Earth's polar cusps. The main objectives of ICI-5 were:

- to investigate plasma instability modes during the formation of polar cap patch (high plasma density + precipitation)

- conduct 3D in-situ measurements to differentiate between wave and turbulence structures

Learn more:

• NASA Rockets Study Why Tech Goes Haywire Near Poles
• Mission details and highlights from the Andøya Space Center