Session
Session VIII: Instruments/Science
Abstract
The Electron Losses and Fields Investigation, or ELFIN, is a 3U+ space weather CubeSat that will be launching into Earth orbit in 2017. ELFIN got its start in 2012 as a participant in the University Nanosatellite Program's NS8 round, funded by the AFRL. The mission was then picked up by CSLI/ElaNa and awarded joint funding from NASA/NSF in 2014, helping provide the push to prepare ELFIN for development and launch.
The primary goal of the mission is to explore the mechanisms responsible for the loss of relativistic particles from Earth's magnetosphere by characterizing their properties as they enter the atmosphere. ELFIN will complete this goal by measuring for the first time the full energy distribution and pitch angle resolution of precipitating electrons using a UCLA built Energetic Particle Detector. Additionally, ELFIN will fly a 3-axis Fluxgate Magnetometer to take sensitive measurements of Earth's magnetic field, allowing for the detection Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves, thought to be the primary contributor to particle losses. A strategic use of ELFIN data in conjunction with data from equatorial space weather missions (THEMIS, MMS, etc.) will allow for the development of higher fidelity space weather models to be used for the protection of ground and space assets.
ELFIN has been secured a ride along with ICEsat 2 to a polar orbit, currently scheduled for launch in Fall 2017. Currently the team is rapidly finalizing designs, performing environmental tests, and executing component integration in efforts to begin the Flight Model build and get ELFIN ready for delivery.
The Electron Losses and Fields Investigation
The Electron Losses and Fields Investigation, or ELFIN, is a 3U+ space weather CubeSat that will be launching into Earth orbit in 2017. ELFIN got its start in 2012 as a participant in the University Nanosatellite Program's NS8 round, funded by the AFRL. The mission was then picked up by CSLI/ElaNa and awarded joint funding from NASA/NSF in 2014, helping provide the push to prepare ELFIN for development and launch.
The primary goal of the mission is to explore the mechanisms responsible for the loss of relativistic particles from Earth's magnetosphere by characterizing their properties as they enter the atmosphere. ELFIN will complete this goal by measuring for the first time the full energy distribution and pitch angle resolution of precipitating electrons using a UCLA built Energetic Particle Detector. Additionally, ELFIN will fly a 3-axis Fluxgate Magnetometer to take sensitive measurements of Earth's magnetic field, allowing for the detection Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves, thought to be the primary contributor to particle losses. A strategic use of ELFIN data in conjunction with data from equatorial space weather missions (THEMIS, MMS, etc.) will allow for the development of higher fidelity space weather models to be used for the protection of ground and space assets.
ELFIN has been secured a ride along with ICEsat 2 to a polar orbit, currently scheduled for launch in Fall 2017. Currently the team is rapidly finalizing designs, performing environmental tests, and executing component integration in efforts to begin the Flight Model build and get ELFIN ready for delivery.
