Local Ionospheric Measurements Satellite (LionSat)
Abstract
In the performance period, the LionSat team has continued development of a nanosatellite as part of the University Nanosat 3 Program. The team has participated in several NS-3 sponsored events/milestones, including the Flight Competition Review. LionSat is a "science-craft" with science experiments and bus fully integrated. It will explore the ram/wake structure of a small spacecraft via plasma probes placed on booms that will move in and out of the wake as the nanosatellite "rolls" along its orbit. The plasma measurements of the local ambient as well as ram/wake plasma environments will be made via a novel hybrid plasma probe that will operate in different modes to investigate a broad range of geophysical conditions that occur on various temporal and spatial scales. LionSat will flight test a miniature RF ion thruster (MRIT) by increasing the spin-rate of the spacecraft using a pair of MRITs. Through measuring the increase in spin, the LionSat team will be able to determine thrust levels obtained with the MRIT. LionSat will also employ and test IP communications for uplink and downlink. Although not selected during the FCR, the LionSat team is continuing satellite development and is pursuing launch opportunities. To date, over 100 students have been involved in some capacity with the LionSat project.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA437366
Entities
People
- Sven G. Bilen
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University