Abstract Current methods for estimating ion density on Swarm rely on the assumption of 100% O + and no along-track ion velocity flows. These assumptions are routinely violated, particularly on the nightside and during high-latitude and polar cap traversals, compromising the accuracy of the measurements. The use of faceplate current data along with the Langmuir probe ion admittance measurements, and orbital-motion limited (OML) theory, make it possible to relax some of the assumptions inherent in current ESA Swarm density estimates. This further yields along-track ion drift and effective ion mass estimates. This paper describes the theoretical basis for estimating revised ion density, providing a new estimate for effective ion mass, as well as an alternative way of estimating along-track ion drift. The complete Swarm historical data set has been generated and validated using empirical models (International Reference Ionosphere, and an empirical electric field model), as well as ground-spacecraft conjunctions. Case studies and statistical results reveal clear geophysical signatures in the new product of light ions at low- and mid-latitudes and along-track ion drift at high latitudes, and their response to space weather.

            Graphical Abstract

Key points

              A new data product for Swarm along-track ion drift velocity, density and effective mass has been derived
            
            
              The addition of faceplate current to ion admittance enables a refinement to Swarm ion density
            
            
              The estimations have been validated against a variety of independent measurements and empirical models