Solar radiation pressure enabled femtosatellite based Earth remote sensing

Cao, J., Clemente, C., McInnes, C. R. and Soraghan, J. J. (2020) Solar radiation pressure enabled femtosatellite based Earth remote sensing. IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, 56(5), pp. 3450-3461. (doi: 10.1109/TAES.2020.2972242)

Abstract

Recent developments in electronics have pushed miniaturised satellites to the femto-scale, with masses between 10 and 100 g. Although femtosatellites have been proven as a feasible concept, most designs are limited in mission capacity and lifetime due to the lack of environmental protection and onboard propellant. In this paper, a novel concept for femtosatellites for Earth remote sensing is proposed. In particular, a swarm of femtosatellites are used as elements of a sparse array in orbit to receive radar echoes. They also feature active orbit control enabled by solar radiation pressure to extend their lifetime. A simple active orbit control algorithm has been demonstrated. A mission concept based on a Sun-synchronous circular orbit is proposed to maximise the benefit for both Earth remote sensing and active orbit control. A synthetic aperture radar mission has been used to characterise their performance.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cao, Jianlin and Soraghan, Professor John and McInnes, Professor Colin
• Authors: Cao, J., Clemente, C., McInnes, C. R., and Soraghan, J. J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems
• Publisher: IEEE
• ISSN: 0018-9251
• ISSN (Online): 1557-9603
• Published Online: 07 February 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 IEEE
• First Published: First published in IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems 56(5): 3450-3461
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy