Measuring Spatio-Temporal Variations in Upper Atmosphere via Drag Controlled Nano Satellites and WINCS (Winds-Ion-Neutral-Composition-Suite)
(15-May-2013 through 14-May-2016 -- $509,997.00)

This project seeks to create an unprecedented capability to predict
atmospheric drag in low Earth orbits, by means of novel estimation techniques. The proposed
effort also intends to greatly extend the knowledge about upper atmospheric dynamics, creating
a new capability for in-situ measurements. This will be achieved using the Winds-Ion-Neutral-
Composition-Suite (WINCS) and a novel nano-satellite system, the PADDLES (Propellant-less
Atmospheric Differential Drag Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Spacecraft). This study will aim at
building a CubeSat-sized WINCS, designing the spacecraft hosting it, and onboard integration
of the drag prediction logic. The proposed project will foster the PI’s long term career plans on
enabling nano-satellite multi-point measurements for Space Weather forecasting.