TEST: A modular scientific nanosatellite

David L. Voss, A. Kirchoff, D. P. Hagerman, J. J. Zapf, J. Hibbs, J. Dailey, A. White, H. D. Voss, M. Maple, Farzad Kamalabadi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A powerfully instrumented, reliable, low-cost, and 3-axis stabilized nanosatellite is being developed as part of the Air Force University Nanosatellite-3 Program. The Thunderstorm Effects in Space: Technology (TEST) nanosatellite implements a new, highly modular satellite bus structure and common electrical interface that is conducive to satellite modeling, development, testing, and integration flow. TEST is a low-cost ($0.2 M) nanosatellite (30kg) in final development by Taylor University and the University of Illinois. TEST implements a variety of plasma, energetic particle, and remote sensing instrumentation with the objective of understanding how lightning and thunderstorms influence the upper atmosphere and the near-space environment. The TEST modular design and instrumentation challenges portions of satellite systems (such as future DOD DMSP and NASA LWS Geospace Missions), while complementing large multi-probe and remote sensing programs. TEST includes a variety of proven instrumentation: two 1m Electric Field (EP) probes, a thermal plasma density Langmuir Probe (LP), a 5 to 100 kHz Very Low Frequency (VLF) Receiver, two large geometric factor cooled (-60° C) Solid State Detector (SSD) spectrometers for energetic electrons and ions (10 keV< E <1 MeV), a 3-axis Magnetometer (MAG), a O 2 Hertzberg UV Photometer, a 391.4 nm Transient Photometer and a 630 nm Imager for airglow and lightning measurements. In addition, the satellite is three-axis stabilized using CO 2 band horizon sensors, as well as a two-stage passive radiator for instrument cooling. TEST instrumentation and satellite subsystems are packaged in modular cubes of 10 cm increments. A common modular electrical interface board is used to standardize each of the subsystems for data flow, ground support, and data analysis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationA Collection of Technical Papers - AIAA Space 2004 Conference and Exposition
Pages2325-2344
Number of pages20
StatePublished - 2004
EventA Collection of Technical Papers - AIAA Space 2004 Conference and Exposition - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Sep 28 2004Sep 30 2004

Publication series

NameA Collection of Technical Papers - AIAA Space 2004 Conference and Exposition
Volume3

Other

OtherA Collection of Technical Papers - AIAA Space 2004 Conference and Exposition
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period9/28/049/30/04

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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