Multi-sensor Observations of the SpinSat Satellite
Abstract
The Naval Research Laboratory developed and launched the spherical SpinSat satellite to accomplish two primary goals: 1) study the performance of a new class of micro-thrusters, and 2) provide a calibrated drag experiment to characterize Earths upper atmosphere during the current period of relatively high solar activity. The 55.9 cm diameter aluminum sphere is equipped with a set of Electrically-Controlled Solid Propellant (ESP) thrusters, oriented to allow both translational and spin-up/spin-down maneuvers. To facilitate remote observations of the satellites spin rate, the spheres exterior features a reflectance pattern much like that of a beach-ball, a distributed sequence of retro-reflectors, as well as an ensemble of eight light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged along a meridian (i.e., a line of longitude) which can be turned on for brief periods. The Air Force Research Laboratory has conducted optical observations of SpinSat from several Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance (AMOS) observatory sensors. The observational goals include: 1) obtaining time-resolved, multi-band measurements of the satellite actively firing its micro-thrusters, 2) characterizing the detectability and spatial/temporal morphology of the ESP thruster plumes, 3) measuring the spin rate of the satellite with the LEDs turned on, ideally before and after a spin rate adjustment maneuver, and 4) measuring the spin rate of the satellite in its completely inactive mode, using only passive observations of reflected light and/or thermal emissions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 18, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1001961
Entities
People
- Andrew Nicholas
- Doyle Hall
- Ivan Galysh
- Jake Griffiths
- Michael Werth
- Paul Kervin
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory