Multi-CubeSat Mission for Auroral Acceleration Region Studies

Paper number

IAC-21,B4,7,3,x66544

Author

Mr. Marley Castro, Sweden, Luleå Technical University

Coauthor

Dr. Leonard Felicetti, United Kingdom, Cranfield University

Coauthor

Dr. Soheil Sadeghi, Sweden, Luleå University of Technology

Coauthor

Dr. Sumeet Gajanan Satpute, Sweden, Luleå University of Technology

Coauthor

Prof. Rene Laufer, Sweden, Luleå University of Technology

Coauthor

Dr. Victoria Barabash, Sweden, Luleå University of Technology

Coauthor

Prof. Élcio Jeronimo de Oliveira, Sweden, Luleå University of Technology

Coauthor

Prof. Lars-Göran Westerberg, Sweden, Luleå University of Technology

Year

2021

Abstract

Auroral Acceleration Region (AAR) is a key region in understanding the Magnetosphere-Ionosphere interaction. In order to understand the physical, spatial and temporal features of the region, multi-point measurements are required.
Distributed small satellite missions such as constellations of multiple nano satellites (in example multi-unit CubeSats) would enable such type of measurements. The capabilities of such a mission will highly depend on the number of satellites – one reason that makes low-cost platforms like CubeSats a very promising choice. In a previous study, the state-of-the-art of miniaturized payloads for AAR measurements was analyzed and evaluated and capabilities of different multi-CubeSat configurations equipped with such payloads in addressing different open questions in AAR were discussed.
Here, the mission analysis and possible mission design as well as necessary technology developments of such a multi-CubeSat mission are identified and presented.

Abstract document

IAC-21,B4,7,3,x66544.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-21,B4,7,3,x66544.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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