Thermospheric Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) for Future NASA/Heliophysics Missions

NASA is seeking a contractor to perform Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) that evaluate how measurements from upcoming Heliophysics missions will improve thermospheric modeling and forecasting. The work involves using the IDEA assimilation framework with TIE‑GCM or WAM‑IPE models on NASA’s high‑end computing platforms, generating synthetic observations for a variety of instrument types, and delivering technical reports that quantify the relative impact of composition, temperature, and wind data, as well as the value of GNSS‑derived density measurements. The effort is scoped to a 14‑month period, culminating in a comprehensive analysis of observation value for mission planning. • Conduct OSSEs using the IDEA framework and selected thermosphere‑ionosphere models on NASA HEC resources. • Generate synthetic in‑situ and remote‑sensing observation datasets (composition, temperature, winds, GNSS densities) for GDC Trailblazer and DAPHNE missions. • Evaluate and document the impact of each observation type and their combinations on model performance, providing quantitative metrics and recommendations for future mission design.