Moon Cubesat Hazard Assessment (MOOCHA) – Proposing an International Earth-Moon Small Satellite Constellation

Paper number

IAC-19,B4,8,7,x51354

Author

Dr. Rene Laufer, United States, Baylor University / University of Cape Town

Coauthor

Mr. Jaan Praks, Finland, Aalto University School of Science and Technology

Coauthor

Mr. Alexandros Binios, Finland, Aalto University

Coauthor

Mr. Janis Dalbins, Estonia, University of Tartu

Coauthor

Mr. Sean Haslam, Finland, Finnish Meteorological Institute, FMI

Coauthor

Ms. Rusne Ivaskeviciute, Lithuania, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology

Coauthor

Mr. Ayush Jain, Estonia, University of Tartu

Coauthor

Ms. Maarit Kinnari, Finland, Aalto University

Coauthor

Mr. Joosep Kivastik, Estonia, University of Tartu

Coauthor

Ms. Fiona Leverone, The Netherlands, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Juuso Mikkola, Finland, Aalto University

Coauthor

Mr. Ervin Oro, Estonia, University of Tartu

Coauthor

Ms. Laura Ruusmann, Estonia, University of Tartu

Coauthor

Mr. Janis Sate, Latvia, University of Latvia

Coauthor

Mr. Hector-Andreas Stavrakakis, Greece, National Technical University of Athens

Coauthor

Mr. Nandinbaatar Tsog, Sweden

Coauthor

Ms. Karin Pai, Estonia, University of Tartu

Coauthor

Prof.Dr. Wolf-Dietrich Geppert, Sweden, Stockholm University

Year

2019

Abstract

Recent developments in space exploration have reinstated the Moon as a primary target for near future space missions. The principal reasons include the Moon being the closest test bed and analogue for planetary space missions and the prospect of a scientific lunar base within the next decade. Space missions have vastly improved our understanding on hazards of human spaceflights but not fully regarding the threats affecting a prospective lunar base. Micrometeorite hazard has been partially addressed as an issue which can potentially impact both astronauts health and safety and create issues for a lunar base, such as degradation or permanent damage of equipment and facilities. Current understanding is based partly on dust and micrometeoroid flux measurements and impact flash observations. However, observations with improved spatial and temporal resolution are imperative for advancing existing hazard models.

In this paper, a mission concept of a constellation of nano satellites is proposed – similar to the QB50 project – that can both observe larger parts of cis-lunar and trans-lunar space and provide higher temporal resolution. Nano satellite missions are a cost-effective solution providing data for significant improvement of our current understanding. Additionally, such a distributed constellation mission will offer countless opportunities for academia, students and young scientists worldwide.

The mission concept (Moon Cubesat Hazard Assessment - MOOCHA) is a result of the Nordic-European Astrobiology Campus Summer School 2018 themed “Microsatellites in Planetary and Atmospheric Research” and to be further developed during the upcoming 2019 follow-up summer school, both taking place in Tartu, Estonia and co-organized by the Stockholm University Astrobiology Centre, the University of Tartu, the European Astrobiology Campus and the Nordic Network of Astrobiology and supported by European Union’s European Regional Development Fund and Estonia.

Abstract document

IAC-19,B4,8,7,x51354.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-19,B4,8,7,x51354.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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