Session
Session 4: Instruments / Science I
Abstract
CubeSats are becoming an increasingly important and viable platform for space physics observations, in addition to their longstanding role in education and technology demonstration. With proper mission formulation, design, and testing, CubeSats have the potential to extend the capability of observations from large satellite missions. The Ionosphere Dynamics Explorer and Attitude Subsystem Satellite (IDEASSat / INSPIRESat-2) is a 3U CubeSat mission funded in part by the Taiwan National Space Organization (NSPO) and executed by Taiwan National Central University (NCU) in conjunction with international partners as part of the International Satellite Program in Research and Education (INSPIRE) consortium. The science payload is the Compact Ionospheric Probe (CIP): an all in one insitu plasma sensor combining retarding potential analyzer, ion trap, ion drift meter, and planar Langmuir probe modes in a time-sharing manner, providing measurements of ion density, temperature, composition, and drift velocity, as well as electron temperature. CIP traces its heritage to the Advanced Ionospheric Probe (AIP) launched and currently operational onboard the FORMOSAT-5 satellite since August 2017. With both spacecraft operational in high inclination Sun synchronous orbits following the expected IDEASSat launch in 2020, comprehensive in-situ measurements of ionospheric variability and irregularities can be obtained to understand their effects on radio communications and satellite navigation signals.
IDEASSat: The Ionosphere Dynamics Explorer and Attitude Subsystem Satellite
CubeSats are becoming an increasingly important and viable platform for space physics observations, in addition to their longstanding role in education and technology demonstration. With proper mission formulation, design, and testing, CubeSats have the potential to extend the capability of observations from large satellite missions. The Ionosphere Dynamics Explorer and Attitude Subsystem Satellite (IDEASSat / INSPIRESat-2) is a 3U CubeSat mission funded in part by the Taiwan National Space Organization (NSPO) and executed by Taiwan National Central University (NCU) in conjunction with international partners as part of the International Satellite Program in Research and Education (INSPIRE) consortium. The science payload is the Compact Ionospheric Probe (CIP): an all in one insitu plasma sensor combining retarding potential analyzer, ion trap, ion drift meter, and planar Langmuir probe modes in a time-sharing manner, providing measurements of ion density, temperature, composition, and drift velocity, as well as electron temperature. CIP traces its heritage to the Advanced Ionospheric Probe (AIP) launched and currently operational onboard the FORMOSAT-5 satellite since August 2017. With both spacecraft operational in high inclination Sun synchronous orbits following the expected IDEASSat launch in 2020, comprehensive in-situ measurements of ionospheric variability and irregularities can be obtained to understand their effects on radio communications and satellite navigation signals.
