FORESAIL‐1 CubeSat Mission to Measure Radiation Belt Losses and Demonstrate Deorbiting

Abstract

Today, the near‐Earth space is facing a paradigm change as the number of new spacecraft is literally skyrocketing. Increasing numbers of small satellites threaten the sustainable use of space, as without removal, space debris will eventually make certain critical orbits unusable. A central factor affecting small spacecraft health and leading to debris is the radiation environment, which is unpredictable due to an incomplete understanding of the near‐Earth radiation environment itself and its variability driven by the solar wind and outer magnetosphere. This paper presents the FORESAIL‐1 nanosatellite mission, having two scientific and one technological objectives. The first scientific objective is to measure the energy and flux of energetic particle loss to the atmosphere with a representative energy and pitch angle resolution over a wide range of magnetic local times. To pave the way to novel model‐in situ data comparisons, we also show preliminary results on precipitating electron fluxes obtained with the new global hybrid‐Vlasov simulation Vlasiator. The second scientific objective of the FORESAIL‐1 mission is to measure energetic neutral atoms of solar origin. The solar energetic neutral atom flux has the potential to contribute importantly to the knowledge of solar eruption energy budget estimations. The technological objective is to demonstrate a satellite deorbiting technology, and for the first time, make an orbit maneuver with a propellantless nanosatellite. FORESAIL‐1 will demonstrate the potential for nanosatellites to make important scientific contributions as well as promote the sustainable utilization of space by using a cost‐efficient deorbiting technology.

Theoretical studies on space debris recycling and energy conversion system in the International Space Station

“…It is evident from the executive summary of ISS, which encapsulates the achievements of innovative research on the orbiting laboratory that had created a positive impact on the quality of life on Earth and the future scope of the interdisciplinary researches globally for creating an impact on scientific advancement. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Herein we conduct theoretical studies for providing the proof of the concept of space debris recycling and energy conversion system in a microgravity environment with an intention to carry out real-time experiments in the space platform through the multinational collaboration with wide scope and benefits to humanity. The emerging application of outer space for the progression of the standard of living and quest for wisdom has led to the growth of space debris or space junk in orbits where the large number of satellites is operational.…”

“…Various reports and industrial engineering data on the usefulness of the prevailing debris extenuation methods are inadequate for a realistic conclusion. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] The present trend of global space activities indicates that in the ensuing decades' huge volumes of space debris will be in orbit and there is a need to update the debris alleviation normal exercises to stimulate competent and active practices to better abate the risks from space debris for the benign maneuvers of future space missions. [4][5][6][7]14 The fact is that even if all the upcoming space launches are called off, the space debris that already exists will be tendering threats for numerous decades to come before all of them re-enter the earth and burn off.…”

Theoretical studies on space debris recycling and energy conversion system in International space station

“…Literature review reveals that through fundamental research and development a few products and services derived from space station activities are entering the souk and furthering healthy and peaceful life on Earth [1], which is motivating us to propose more challenging research in ISS. It is evident from the executive summary of ISS, which encapsulates the achievements of innovative research on the orbiting laboratory that had created a positive impact on the quality of life on Earth and the future scope of the interdisciplinary researches globally for creating an impact on scientific advancement [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Herein we conduct theoretical studies for providing the proof of the concept of space debris recycling and energy conversion system in a microgravity environment with an intention to carry out real-time experiments in the space platform through the multi-national collaboration with wide scope and benefits to humanity.…”

“…The growing utilization of outer space for the advancement of the standard of living and hunt for wisdom has led to the accretion of space debris or space junk in high-density satellites orbits. Various reports and industrial engineering data on the usefulness of the prevailing debris extenuation methods are inadequate for a realistic conclusion [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. J.-C. Liou et al [4][5][6][7][8] reported that as the space debris volume remains to rise over time due to the global space activities in recent years, there is a need to update the debris alleviation normal exercises to stimulate competent and active practices to better abate the risks from space debris for the benign manoeuvres of future space missions.…”

Comparative Analysis of the Vlasiator Simulations and MMS Observations of Multiple X‐Line Reconnection and Flux Transfer Events

“…Vlasiator (http://www.physics.helsinki. fi/vlasiator/) is distributed under the GPL-2 open source license (Palmroth et al, 2019). To learn more, see von Alfthan et al (2020).…”