SpinSat Mission Overview
Abstract : The SpinSat flight is a small satellite mission proposed by the Naval Research Laboratory and Digital Solid State Propulsion (DSSP) LLC to demonstrate and characterize the on-orbit performance of electrically controlled solid propellant technology in space. This is an enabling technology for the small satellite community that will allow small satellites to perform maneuvers. The mission consists of a spherical spacecraft fitted with Electrically Controlled Solid Propellant thrusters and retro-reflectors for satellite laser ranging (SLR). The spacecraft will be deployed from the International Space Station. This paper presents a mission overview and emphasis will be placed on the design, thruster design, optical layout, and unique SSA observation opportunities of the mission.
SpinSat Mission Ground Truth Characterization
Abstract : The SpinSat flight is a small satellite mission proposed by the Naval Research Laboratory and Digital Solid State Propulsion \201DSSP\202 LLC to demonstrate and characterize the on-orbit performance of electrically controlled solid propellant technology in space. Launch is expected in summer of 2014. This is an enabling technology for the small satellite community that will allow small satellites to perform maneuvers. The mission consists of a spherical spacecraft fitted with Electrically Controlled Solid Propellant thrusters and retro-reflectors for satellite laser ranging \201SLR\202. The spacecraft will be deployed from the International Space Station. This paper presents a mission overview, ground truth characterization and unique SSA observation opportunities of the mission.
Atmospheric neutral density experiment (ANDE)
The Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment (ANDE) is a mission proposed by the Naval Research laboratory to monitor the thermospheric neutral density at an altitude of 400km. The mission objectives are to provide total neutral density along the orbit for improved orbit determination of resident space objects. The measurements also provide a critical validation point for the upcoming Special Sensor Ultraviolet Limb Imagers (SSULI) to be launched on each of the five Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) spacecraft in block 5D3 starting in 2001. In addition ANDE provides two calibration objects for use in the Air Force High Accuracy Satellite Drag Model (HASDM) initiative to help maintain and improve accuracy of the space object catalog. The mission consists of two spherical satellites fitted with retro-reflectors for satellite laser ranging (SLR). One satellite is completely passive, the other carries active instrumentation to measure the partial pressure of atmospheric constituents, GPS positioning, acceleration in all 3 axes, and surface temperature. The active satellite will be fitted with modulating retro-reflectors. The spacecraft telemetry will be transferred to the ground by modulating and reflecting the SLR laser interrogation beam.