Academic Small Lunar Satellite Mission Concept and Design
- Paper number
IAC-08.B4.8.5
- Author
Mr. Rene Laufer, Universität Stuttgart, Germany
- Coauthor
Prof. Hans-Peter Roeser, University of Stuttgart, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Team Lunar Mission BW1 Project, Institute of Space Systems, Universität Stuttgart, Germany
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Earth orbiting academic small satellites are without any doubt useful research platforms, technology demonstration tools as well as educational instruments for more than 25 years. On the basis of the increasing new and world wide interest in lunar exploration an academic lunar probe would be a next logical step in small satellite development. The Stuttgart Small Satellite Program of the Institute of Space Systems (IRS) of the Universitaet Stuttgart, Germany, consists of four different small satellite projects in the areas of technology demonstration, Earth remote sensing, astronomical observation, re-entry research and space exploration. The Lunar Mission BW1 is an all-electrical small lunar orbiter of approx. 1 m cube and around 200 kg launch mass. Planned to be launched as a piggyback payload into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) later than 2010 the probe should use solar-electric propulsion systems to be transferred to the Moon into a highly inclined circular low lunar orbit. The orbiter will perform technology demonstrations, remote sensing and in-situ research experiments. The paper will describe the requirements, boundary conditions and challenges of implementing and accomplishing a lunar mission within an academic environment. Steps towards a small lunar satellite within a program with possibilities for verification and gaining experience will be shown. The integration within education and research activities will be presented as well as the established network of partners, facilities, cababilities and tools which were built up to achieve the program's goals.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.B4.8.5.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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