Author: mbabcock9

VISORS

The VISORS mission, Virtual Super-resolution Optics using Reconfigurable Swarms, is a multi-university cubesat mission aimed at capturing high resolution images of the sun. Georgia Tech is working on this mission in conjunction with Perdue University.

Craft Overview:

This mission will comprise of two 6U sized cubesats aimed at imaging the sun. The high definition imaging of the “solar corona” is required to determine the existence of theorized “heat release bands.” The existence of such bands would explain why the solar corona exhibits such unexpectedly high temperatures.

Sources and Additional Information:

  1. https://ssdl.gatech.edu/research/projects/visors-virtual-super-resolution-optics-using-reconfigurable-swarms
  2. https://engineering.purdue.edu/VIP/teams/visors
AcronymVISORS
Full NameVirtual Super-resolution Optics using Reconfigurable Swarms
Size6U
StatusIn Progress
Launch DateTBD
Principal InvestigatorGlenn Lightsey

SWARM-EX

SWARM-EX, Space Weather Atmospheric Reconfigurable Multiscale Experiment, is a large project sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Six Universities in total are working on this project. They include: Georgia Tech, Olin College, Stanford University, University of South Alabama, and Western Michigan University.

Craft Overview:

SWARM-EX’s purpose is to explore the relationship between charged and neutral particles in the thermosphere. This region of the atmosphere is about 90 km above the Earth’s surface. The cubesat will explore the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly as well as the Equatorial Thermosphere Anomaly. This project began on January 1, 2020 and is expected to be completed after four years.

Sources and Additional Information:

  1. https://ssdl.gatech.edu/research/projects/swarm-ex-space-weather-atmospheric-reconfigurable-multiscale-experiment
  2. https://ae.gatech.edu/news/2019/11/lightsey-and-colorado-colleagues-get-nsf-grant-study-earths-atmosphere
  3. https://www.colorado.edu/aerospace/2019/10/16/building-satellite-swarm-investigate-atmospheric-anomaly
AcronymSWARM-EX
Full NameSpace Weather Atmospheric Reconfigurable Multiscale Experiment
Size3U
StatusIn Progress
Launch DateTBD
Principal InvestigatorGlenn Lightsey

BioSentinel

BioSentinel is a life science CubeSat mission that will be the first in over forty years to obtain direct experimental data from biological studies occurring beyond Low Earth Orbit. The BioSentinel is designed to measure the damage and repair of DNA in a biological organism and compare that to information from onboard physical radiation sensors.

BioSentinel will address gaps in knowledge pertaining to the biological effects of space radiation.  This knowledge will provide an adaptable platform to perform multiple human-relevant measurements in multiple space environments.

Craft Overview:

The BioSentinel is a 6U satellite weighing about 14 kg that is currently under development. The CubeSat contains cold gas thrusters as its propulsion method, deployable solar arrays and batteries for powering the spacecraft, and biosensors used for experimentation.

Deployment:

BioSentinel is one of 13 CubeSats planned to be carried with the Orion Artmeis-1 mission. Once launched, the BioSentenil will start its 12 to 18 month mission.

Sources and Additional Information:

  1. https://eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/b/biosentinel
  2. https://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/engineering/projects/biosentinel.html
  3. https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/biosentinel.htm
Full NameBioSentinel
Size6U
StatusUnder Development
Launch Date2022
Principal InvestigatorGlenn Lightsey