Leonid Meteor Observer in LEO: A Proposal for a University Microsatellite for the 2001 Leonids

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1 Leonid Meteor Observer in LEO: A Proposal for a University Microsatellite for the 2001 Leonids Kazuya Yoshida* Hajime Yano** *Tohoku University **Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) JAPAN

2 Abstract Researchers in Tohoku University and ISAS of Japan with their international partners are now putting a proposal for a university student-built, "bottle-sized" micro-satellite for observation of the 2001 Leonid meteor shower from the low Earth orbit. The satellite is as small as a pet bottle to be launched as a piggy-back payload of commercial rocket launcher, only a few weeks before the Leonid meteor maximum. It contains all the telemetry, solar power generator, thermal control system, attitude control system as well as scientific instruments including a visible-ultra violet region photometry camera to conduct bright meteor counts in the large coverage of the night sky looked down on the earth and a UV spectrograph. This presentation outlines a mission profile with scientific and educational objectives. Sponsors and new partners in the project are most welcome.

3 The Proposal Make scientific observation of the 2001 Leonids meteor shower from the low Earth orbit. Out of atmosphere, the UV photometry & spectrographs are featured, the meteor impact on the satellite hardware is evaluated, and a spectacular view of the downstream shower is photographed. The satellite(s) will be built by international university students, suitable for a piggy-back launch, cost effective & quick development, and maximizing scientific and educational objectives.

4 Scientific Goals Count various brightness of meteors in the large coverage of the night sky looked down on Earth. Obtain visible-ultra Violet images and spectrographs of the meteors and persistent trains, at the high altitude of the atmosphere. Establish three dimensional observation with ground based observers, for better trajectory identification and 3D imaging (shape and motion) of a long enduring train.

5 Look up the Leonids meteor shower! 2000 The Space Robotics Lab, Tohoku University

6 2000 The Space Robotics Lab, Tohoku University The Leonids observer will fly through the meteor stream. The meteors will not glow out of the atmosphere, this picture is for an artist s impression.

7 When you look down the meteor shower, you ll find them convergent, opposite to the radiant. The spectacular view obtained only from the out of the atmosphere The Space Robotics Lab, Tohoku University

8 Satellite Design As small as the size of a pet-bottle. Solar power plus primary (Li-ion) batteries. Mission life: one to several weeks As simple as possible in attitude stabilization, by means of gravity gradient torques, a passive nutation damper, and/or a magnetic torquer. cf. the X-configuration in DODGE satellite, 1967 UHF/VHF for the command and telemetry. Middlegain omuni-antenna for the photo image downlink. GPS for the position and attitude determination.

9 Possible design of the satellite

10 The Orbit LEO at the altitude of around 300 km or less, as low as good for a few weeks of mission life. Inclination around degrees, for the ground coverage of Japan, USA, and South Europe.

11 Background and Current Activities Satellite Design Contest Japan Students of Tohoku University were awarded for the idea of the leonids observer in the 1999 contest. University Space System Symposium A US-Japan collaboration frame work for the students satellite development and launch, where the leonids observer was proposed and an international team effort is being organized. CanSat, S-cube Sat., and BottleSat A quick step-by-step approach for the USSS participating students to establish hands-on experiences, from a sodacan sized micro satellite to a bottle size, and larger.

12 Call for Sponsor We need your substantial help! Launch vehicle on time for the 2001 shower Funding to support the satellite development A world-wide satellite tracking and telemetry What is the possible return to the sponsors? Scientific raw data and premier photo images Engineering raw data for the meteor impact on the satellite Science and technical reports World-wide public recognition through press releases and web-site banners

13 Contact and more information Kazuya YOSHIDA a person in charge of the mission proposal. Dr. Eng. Associate Professor of Tohoku University, Japan. The Space Robotics Lab, Dept. of Aeronautics and Space Engineering. Hajime YANO a person in charge of the scientific aspect. Ph.D. in Space Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, U.K. Assistant Professor, Planetary Science Division, Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), Kanagawa, Japan leo2001@astro.mech.tohoku.ac.jp