SOAR -- A Satellite for Orbital Aerodynamics Research
- Paper number
IAC-18,B4,2,2,x43107
- Author
Dr. Nicholas H. Crisp, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Dr. Peter C.E. Roberts, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Dr. Steve Edmondson, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Dr. Sarah Haigh, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Ms. Sabrina Livadiotti, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Mrs. Rachel Lyons, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Vitor Oiko, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Dr. Katharine Smith, United Kingdom, University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Dr. Stephen Worrall, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Dr. Jonathan Becedas Rodríguez, Spain, Elecnor Deimos
- Coauthor
Mr. Gerardo González, Spain, Elecnor Deimos Satellite Systems
- Coauthor
Ms. Rosa María Domínguez, Spain, Elecnor Deimos Satellite Systems
- Coauthor
Mr. Leonardo Ghizoni, Denmark, GomSpace ApS
- Coauthor
Mr. Victor Jungnell, Denmark, GomSpace ApS
- Coauthor
Mr. Kristian Bay, Denmark, GomSpace ApS
- Coauthor
Dr. Jonas Morsbøl, Denmark, GomSpace ApS
- Coauthor
Dr. Georg H. Herdrich, Germany, University of Stuttgart
- Coauthor
Mr. Francesco Romano, Germany, Institute of Space Systems, Universität Stuttgart
- Coauthor
Mr. Tilman Binder, Germany, University of Stuttgart
- Coauthor
Mr. Adam Boxberger, Germany, IRS, University of Stuttgart
- Coauthor
Prof. Stefanos Fasoulas, Germany, University of Stuttgart
- Coauthor
Dr. Daniel Garcia-Almiñana, Spain, UPC-BarcelonaTECH
- Coauthor
Dr. Silvia Rodriguez-Donaire, Spain, UPC-BarcelonaTECH
- Coauthor
Dr. Miquel Sureda, Spain, UPC-BarcelonaTECH
- Coauthor
Dr. Dhiren Kataria, United Kingdom, University College London (UCL)
- Coauthor
Prof. Ronald Outlaw, United States, Mason School of Business, College of William and Mary
- Coauthor
Dr. Mark Davidson, United States, The Tech Toybox
- Coauthor
Ms. Rachel Villain, France, Euroconsult
- Coauthor
Mr. Jose Santiago Perez Cano, France, Euroconsult
- Coauthor
Mr. Alexis Conte, France, Euroconsult
- Coauthor
Ms. Badia Belkouchi, France, Euroconsult
- Coauthor
Ms. Ameli Schwalber, Germany, concentris research management gmbh
- Coauthor
Ms. Barbara Heißerer, Germany, concentris research management gmbh
- Year
2018
- Abstract
SOAR (Satellite for Orbital Aerodynamics Research) is a CubeSat mission designed to investigate the interaction between different materials and the atmospheric flow regime in very Low Earth Orbit and to demonstrate aerodynamic attitude and orbit control manoeuvres. Improving knowledge of the gas-surface interactions is important for the design of future satellites operating in lower altitude orbits and will enable the identification of materials which can minimise drag or improve aerodynamic control, a key aim of the Horizon 2020 funded DISCOVERER project. In order to achieve these objectives, SOAR features two payloads: i) a set of steerable fins which provide the ability to expose different materials or surface finishes to the oncoming flow with varying angle of incidence whilst also providing variable geometry to investigate aerostability and aerodynamic control; and ii) an Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer with Time-of-Flight capability which enables accurate measurement of the in-situ flow composition, density, and thermospheric wind velocity. The drag and lift experienced by the satellite in orbit can be studied and estimates of the aerodynamic coefficients calculated using precise orbit and attitude determination information and the in-situ measured atmospheric flow characteristics. This paper first presents the scientific design and operational concept of the SOAR mission, focusing on the stability and control strategy which enables the spacecraft to maintain the flow-pointing attitude required by the payloads. The methodology for recovery of the aerodynamic coefficients from the measured orbit and in-situ atmospheric data is then presented. Finally, the uncertainty of the resolved aerodynamic coefficients is estimated statistically using simulations.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-18,B4,2,2,x43107.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.