A Technology Study for Free-Flying Sciencecraft, 15-9198
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Investigators
Raymond Goldstein
James P. Cravens
Inclusive Dates: 07/01/00 - Current
Background - The feasibility and scientific usefulness of autonomous, free-flying nano-sciencecraft for space plasma investigations has been previously shown. Each of the four Free-flying Magnetometers (FFMs) deployed from a suborbital rocket in this previous work was an 8-centimeter diameter by 3.8-centimeter high cylinder carrying a three-axis fluxgate magnetometer, electronics, primary power, and telemetry system, with a total mass of 250 grams. The FFMs successfully measured the magnetic field in the northern auroral region during the 15-minute flight and telemetered the results to the ground station. This mission served as proof of concept for the FFMs, but considerable development is still needed for their application to longer missions such as Earth or other planetary orbiters. In addition, the possibility of incorporation of other instruments such as particle sensors in the free-flyers is also envisioned. Miniaturization of all subsystems is critical for such highly integrated sciencecraft. In particular, SwRI needs to develop the devices and techniques to determine the sciencecraft attitude and position if they are to be useful for longer missions such as in Earth orbit.
Approach - The study involves first understanding current state-of-the-art capability and the advancements necessary for developing miniaturized attitude and position determination systems. The research team will then develop a system concept (including any necessary software algorithms) and packaging design to allow incorporation into a nano-sciencecraft.
Accomplishments - In this new study, the team has selected a star scanner and sun sensor as candidate devices for attitude determination. With this equipment, the team will be able to begin a detailed design study.
