Session
Technical Session VIII: New Mission Concepts
Abstract
The Cheap Auroral Tomographical System (CATS) consists of a large constellation of small, disposable satellites in a near polar orbit. CATS is designed to collect stereoscopic views of the earth environment that will be used for tomographical and earth environmental research. Each satellite will be identical and constructed of high-grade commercial parts, thus significantly reducing the cost of design, fabrication and components. The CATS constellation will be a significant step toward the demonstration and validation of the capability to develop, deploy and operate a proliferated system of small, inexpensive satellites. Additionally, CATS will gather valuable scientific data from the earth environment. This paper explores the possibilities and ramifications of such a system.
Cheap Auroral Tomographical System (CATS)
The Cheap Auroral Tomographical System (CATS) consists of a large constellation of small, disposable satellites in a near polar orbit. CATS is designed to collect stereoscopic views of the earth environment that will be used for tomographical and earth environmental research. Each satellite will be identical and constructed of high-grade commercial parts, thus significantly reducing the cost of design, fabrication and components. The CATS constellation will be a significant step toward the demonstration and validation of the capability to develop, deploy and operate a proliferated system of small, inexpensive satellites. Additionally, CATS will gather valuable scientific data from the earth environment. This paper explores the possibilities and ramifications of such a system.
