Changing the ISS attitude to maximize science return of the SOLAR payload

Paper number

IAC-13,B3,4-B6.5,2,x18926

Author

Ms. Alice Michel, Belgian User Support and Operation Centre, Belgium

Coauthor

Mr. Denis Van Hoof, Space Applications Services, Belgium

Coauthor

Dr. Christian Muller, Belgian User Support and Operation Centre, Belgium

Coauthor

Mr. Jean-Marc Wislez, Space Applications Services, Belgium

Coauthor

Mrs. Saliha Klai, Space Applications Services N.V., Belgium

Coauthor

Mr. Alejandro Sela, Space Applications Services N.V., Belgium

Coauthor

Ms. Nadia This, Belgian User Support and Operation Centre, Belgium

Coauthor

Ms. Carla Jacobs, Space Applications Services N.V., Belgium

Coauthor

Mrs. Andrea Boyd, Space Applications Services N.V., Belgium

Coauthor

Mr. Alexander Karl, Space Applications Services N.V., Belgium

Coauthor

Dr. Didier Moreau, Belgian User Support and Operation Centre, Belgium

Coauthor

Mr. Pierfilippo Manieri, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Dr. David Bolsee, Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BISA), Belgium

Coauthor

Mr. Leif Steinicke, Space Applications Services, Belgium

Year

2013

Abstract

Since February 2008, the Belgian User Support and Operations Centre (B.USOC) operates SOLAR, an optical payload measuring the sun spectral irradiance in space from the ESA COLUMBUS module on the International Space Station (ISS). SOLAR is a 2-axis rotating platform accommodating three instruments: SOVIM a total solar irradiance instrument, SOLSPEC a UV-visible-infrared spectrometer, and SolACES a far UV instrument. 
SOVIM stopped operations due to an electrical problem but today the two other instruments are still operating successfully.  Moreover, although originally foreseen for an 18 month experiment, ESA now plans on supporting the SOLAR operations until 2017. 

Due to the specificities of the ISS orbit and mechanical limitation of the SOLAR moving platform, a continuous operation is not possible.  Periods of Sun observation, called Sun Visibility Windows (SVW), are limited to approximately 12 days per month.
 
In December 2012, ISS took a specific attitude, a small deviation from its standard TEA +XVV attitude, called the “SOLAR Attitude”. This temporary change of attitude resulted in the bridging of two SVWs, the gap of several days between two SVWs was covered allowing sun observation for a long period of more than 35 days, and scientists could thus gather spectra during a full solar rotation. 

The change of ISS attitude was obtained for the first time in the sole objective of increasing the science return. From the idea to the execution, it took about 2 years of coordination involving all International Partners, and external payloads teams impacted by the manoeuvre. After describing the added value for solar physics and climate studies, the article will present the coordination process required to get to the implementation and the future utilization of the SOLAR attitude will be discussed.

Abstract document

IAC-13,B3,4-B6.5,2,x18926.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-13,B3,4-B6.5,2,x18926.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.