NanoMagSat status: a 3x16U low-Earth orbit constellation to monitor the Earth magnetic field and the ionospheric environment

Florian Deconinck, Gauthier Hulot, Jean Michel Léger, Lasse B.N. Clausen, Massimiliano Pastena, Jean Pascal Lejault, Josh Wilkinson, Diego Mataix Caballero, Maria Vallmitjana Tostado, Pierdavide Coïsson, Thomas Jager, Pepe Nieto, John L. Jørgensen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

NanoMagSat is a mission concept to deploy and operate a new Low-Earth orbiting constellation concept of three identical 16U nanosatellites, using two inclined (~ 60°) and one polar orbit, for investigating the Earth’s magnetic field and ionospheric environment. The constellation is designed to provide fast coverage of all local times (LT) at all latitudes, with special emphasis within ± 60°. NanoMagSat measurements will improve identification and investigation of fast planetary magnetic signals as well as the ionospheric environment, all of which requires such fast LT/geographic coverage to disentangle signals that are sensitive to the local time (Sun position). Each satellite will carry a payload suite combining: an absolute scalar and self-calibrated vector magnetometer collocated with two star trackers on an optical bench at the tip of a deployable boom; a High Frequency Magnetometer at mid-boom; a multi-needle Langmuir probe and two GNSS receivers for precise orbit determination, TEC recovery and ionospheric radio occultation. The key challenges of the mission are the launch availability, the miniaturisation of the magnetometers and the magnetic cleanliness of the satellite. The latter drives the need for a 3m deployable boom and specific development of some of the platform subsystems and related accommodation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE: Small Satellites Systems and Services Symposium
EditorsMax Petrozzi-Ilstad
Number of pages15
Volume13546
PublisherSPIE - International Society for Optical Engineering
Publication date2025
Article number135462K
ISBN (Electronic)9781510688940
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025
EventSmall Satellites Systems and Services Symposium - Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Duration: 26 May 202431 May 2024

Conference

ConferenceSmall Satellites Systems and Services Symposium
Country/TerritorySpain
CityPalma de Mallorca
Period26/05/202431/05/2024
SeriesProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume13546
ISSN0277-786X

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