NASA-GSFC Nano-satellite Technology for Earth Science Missions

The NASA-GSFC Nano-satellite Technology Program is currently formulating so lutions for 21(st) century Earth Science requirements. We anticipate that n ano-satellite (similar to 10 kg) and micro-satellite (10 to 100 kg) constel lations will have important applications in both Earth and Space science. S uch constellations, acting in unison and with a large degree of autonomy, c ould form "virtual platforms" of detailed remotely sensed measurements prov iding orders of magnitude more information than today's thinly-populated ne tworks of LEO and GEO satellites. If the constellations include a variety o f basic, versatile instruments, for example UV, VIS and IR hyperspectral sp ectrometers, then virtual platforms for different applications can be forme d in space, on the fly, and "disassembled" later for other uses or to test other scientific hypotheses. Example applications include weather predictio n, radiative/reflected energy measurements for global change studies, hazar d warning and monitoring systems (fires, volcanoes, hurricanes, etc.), and in-situ measurements of Earth's magnetic field. For a wide range of applica tions, nano- and micro-satellite technology is likely to further the way NA SA explores not only the Earth, but the solar system and beyond. Identifyin g the strategies and technologies that provide strong benefit to both the E arth and Space science programs will provide the best return on NASA's tech nology investment. This paper will highlight some possible Earth Science ap plications for nano- and micro-satellite constellations as well as the curr ent status of planned NASA-GSFC nano/micro-satellite technology development . (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.