A small satellite mission for solar coronagraphy

N. Gopalswamy; Qian Gong

doi:10.1117/12.2323807

18 September 2018 A small satellite mission for solar coronagraphy

N. Gopalswamy, Qian Gong

Proceedings Volume 10769, CubeSats and NanoSats for Remote Sensing II; 107690X (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2323807
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2018, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We present on a concept study of the Goddard Miniature Coronagraph (GMC) mission for measuring the plasma flow in the solar corona in the form of solar wind and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These mass flows can dramatically alter the near-Earth space environment to hazardous conditions posing danger to human technology in space. The primary science objective of the mission is to measure the properties of CMEs, coronal structures, and the solar wind near the Sun. The miniaturization of the coronagraph involves using a single-stage optics and a polarization camera, both of which reduce the size of the coronagraph. GMC will be accommodated in a small satellite that can be built with cubesat material to minimize cost. The development of the Dellingr mission at NASA/GSFC has provided expertise and a clear pathway to build the GMC mission. The hardware and software used for the Dellingr mission are technically sound, so the GMC mission can be fully defined. Software, pointing, control and communications systems developed for GSFC CubeSats can be readily adapted to cut costs. We present orbit options such as an ISS orbit or a Sun synchronous dawndusk polar orbit with the aim of maximizing solar observations.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

N. Gopalswamy and Qian Gong "A small satellite mission for solar coronagraphy", Proc. SPIE 10769, CubeSats and NanoSats for Remote Sensing II, 107690X (18 September 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2323807

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