NASA-GSFC nano-satellite technology for Earth science missions

Abstract

The NASA-GSFC Nano-satellite Technology Program is currently formulating solutions for 21st century Earth Science requirements. We anticipate that nano-satellite (~ 10 kg) and micro-satellite (10 to 100 kg) constellations will have important applications in both Earth and Space science. Such constellations, acting in unison and with a large degree of autonomy, could form “virtual platforms” of detailed remotely sensed measurements providing orders of magnitude more information than today's thinly-populated networks of LEO and GEO satellites. If the constellations include a variety of basic, versatile instruments, for example UV, VIS and IR hyperspectral spectrometers, then virtual platforms for different applications can be formed in space, on the fly, and “disassembled” later for other uses or to test other scientific hypotheses. Example applications include weather prediction, radiative/reflected energy measurements for global change studies, hazard warning and monitoring systems (fires, volcanoes, hurricanes, etc.), and in-situ measurements of Earth's magnetic field. For a wide range of applications, nano- and micro-satellite technology is likely to further the way NASA explores not only the Earth, but the solar system and beyond. Identifying the strategies and technologies that provide strong benefit to both the Earth and Space science programs will provide the best return on NASA's technology investment. This paper will highlight some possible Earth Science applications for nano- and micro-satellite constellations as well as the current status of planned NASA-GSFC nano/micro-satellite technology development.