Session
Session 8: Frank J. Redd Student Competition
Abstract
Preliminary design and analysis has been performed for a 6U CubeSat to carry a miniaturized aerosol polarimetry sensor in order to examine the effect of atmospheric aerosols on the Earth’s climate This hypothetical satellite, the Orbiting Aerosol Observatory, is intended to perform partial mission objectives of the Glory spacecraft, which experienced a launch failure in 2011. The Orbiting Aerosol Observatory will collect data on the types and concentrations of aerosols in the atmosphere by observing incident sunlight reflected from the oceans from a position within the Afternoon Constellation. Subsystem requirements and component selection will be discussed. The Orbiting Aerosol Observatory consists primarily of off-the-shelf components with prior flight heritage to minimize cost, accelerate development, and maximize reliability. A series of simulations were created in MATLAB, Simulink, and Systems Tool Kit to model the satellite’s operation in orbit and ensure propulsive, attitude determination and control, power, communications, and thermal systems could perform to the system requirements. Development, build, and test plans were created, and a budget was developed to project costs throughout the mission life cycle.
Presentation
Mission Concept and Design for the Orbiting Aerosol Observatory
Preliminary design and analysis has been performed for a 6U CubeSat to carry a miniaturized aerosol polarimetry sensor in order to examine the effect of atmospheric aerosols on the Earth’s climate This hypothetical satellite, the Orbiting Aerosol Observatory, is intended to perform partial mission objectives of the Glory spacecraft, which experienced a launch failure in 2011. The Orbiting Aerosol Observatory will collect data on the types and concentrations of aerosols in the atmosphere by observing incident sunlight reflected from the oceans from a position within the Afternoon Constellation. Subsystem requirements and component selection will be discussed. The Orbiting Aerosol Observatory consists primarily of off-the-shelf components with prior flight heritage to minimize cost, accelerate development, and maximize reliability. A series of simulations were created in MATLAB, Simulink, and Systems Tool Kit to model the satellite’s operation in orbit and ensure propulsive, attitude determination and control, power, communications, and thermal systems could perform to the system requirements. Development, build, and test plans were created, and a budget was developed to project costs throughout the mission life cycle.
