The Earth's natural environment can impact the Space Vehicle and the operation of the Space Vehicle can impact the natural environment. The Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) Technology Demonstration Mission (TDM) is an ideal opportunity to assess the impact of the natural environment on the Space Vehicle and assess the impact of SEP TDM Space Vehicle operations on the natural environment using a properly scoped suite of instruments. Furthermore, the slow transit from LEO out to GEO and back provides an unique opportunity to establish detailed map of Earth's natural environment and detailed structure within the radiation belts during non-EP thrusting periods (all eclipse periods and using purposeful shut-downs during sunlight). An example of a low mass and low power space environments monitoring suite (SEMS), using largely existing instruments is described.

No abstract

No abstract