NetSat-4G A four nano-satellite formation for global geomagnetic gradiometry

Tiago Nogueira, Julian Scharnagl, Stavros Kotsiaros, Klaus Schilling

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    Abstract

    This paper proposes a concept for a Global GeomaGnetic Gradiometry (4G) nano-satellite mission. The proposed concept makes use of a formation of four nano-satellites carrying vector magnetometers and flying in a Cartwheel-Helix formation at low altitude. The use of four satellites makes possible the simultaneous measurement of the geomagnetic gradients in all three directions (east-west, north-south and radial), and thus the realisation of a full gradiometry mission. The concept foresees the use of a miniaturised propulsion system for formation acquisition and maintenance, allowing not only to setup optimal formation geometries for optimal gradient retrieval but also to extend the mission lifetime at the targeted low altitude. The preliminary results of an end-to-end simulation are presented, and the gradient concept for NetSat-4G demonstrated. Given the constraints inherent to a nano-satellite platform, measurement performance is still, as expected, inferior to what can nowadays be achieved with larger and more expensive missions. Despite the disadvantages, the proposed concept is still considered pertinent as it would allow, for the first time, to implement a full geomagnetic gradiometry mission.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of 10th IAA Symposium on Small Satellites for Earth Observation
    Number of pages8
    Publication date2015
    Publication statusPublished - 2015
    Event10th IAA Symposium on Small Satellites for Earth Observation - Berlin, Germany
    Duration: 20 Apr 201524 Sep 2015
    https://www.dlr.de/iaa.symp/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-4802/

    Conference

    Conference10th IAA Symposium on Small Satellites for Earth Observation
    Country/TerritoryGermany
    CityBerlin
    Period20/04/201524/09/2015
    Internet address

    Keywords

    • Mission concept
    • Magnetic gradiometry
    • NetSat
    • Nano-satellites
    • Formation flying

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