NanoSat MO Framework: Enabling AI Apps for Earth Observation

Following the success of the first Phi-Sat mission, in 2020, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced the opportunity to present CubeSat-based ideas for the Phi-Sat-2 mission as part of its initiative to promote the development of radically innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities onboard Earth Observation (EO) missions. Open Cosmos and CGI submitted a joint proposal for the Phi-Sat-2 mission idea, which takes advantage of the latest research and developments in the European ecosystem. The proposed mission idea is a game-changing EO CubeSat capable of running AI Apps that can be developed, easily deployed on the spacecraft and updated during flight operations. The AI Apps can be operated from ground using a simple user interface. This approach allows continuous improvement of the AI model parameters using the very same images acquired by the satellite. The mission takes advantage of the latest research for mission operations of CubeSats and use the NanoSat MO Framework, a framework for small satellites that allows software to be deployed in space as simple Apps, in a similar fashion to Android apps. This framework was previously demonstrated in ESA’s OPS-SAT mission, and supports the orchestration of on-board Apps. It fully decouples the App features from the underlying on-board hardware via an abstraction layer API in the form of services. Additionally, it includes a Software Development Kit with demo Apps, development tools, and tutorials to facilitate the development of Apps. By decoupling the data platform from the Apps, it is possible to distribute the development of specialized AI Apps to different partners within the Phi-Sat-2 mission consortium. The mission will include a set of default AI Apps that will be able to do vessel detection, forest monitoring, and roadmap transformation from satellite imagery. The framework allows more than just the set of default Apps and so, third-party Apps can be included on later stages of the mission lifecycle. This paper will present the NanoSat MO Framework, introduce the AI Apps that are part of the Phi-Sat-2 mission, and how the free and open-source framework enables the creation of software-defined satellite missions via on-board Apps

A novel satellite mission concept for upper air water vapour, aerosol and cloud observations using integrated path differential absorption LiDAR limb sounding

We propose a new satellite mission to deliver high quality measurements of upper air water vapour. The concept centres around a LiDAR in limb sounding by occultation geometry, designed to operate as a very long path system for differential absorption measurements. We present a preliminary performance analysis with a system sized to send 75 mJ pulses at 25 Hz at four wavelengths close to 935 nm, to up to 5 microsatellites in a counter-rotating orbit, carrying retroreflectors characterized by a reflected beam divergence of roughly twice the emitted laser beam divergence of 15 µrad. This provides water vapour profiles with a vertical sampling of 110 m; preliminary calculations suggest that the system could detect concentrations of less than 5 ppm. A secondary payload of a fairly conventional medium resolution multispectral radiometer allows wide-swath cloud and aerosol imaging. The total weight and power of the system are estimated at 3 tons and 2,700 W respectively. This novel concept presents significant challenges, including the performance of the lasers in space, the tracking between the main spacecraft and the retroreflectors, the refractive effects of turbulence, and the design of the telescopes to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio for the high precision measurements. The mission concept was conceived at the Alpbach Summer School 2010

NanoMagSat, a nanosatellite LEO constellation for monitoring Earth's magnetic field and ionospheric environment

International audienceThe geomagnetic field has been continuously monitored from low-Earth orbit (LEO) since 1999, complementing ground-based observatory data by providing calibrated scalar and vector measurements with global coverage. The successful ESA Swarm constellation is expected to remain in operation until at least 2025. Further monitoring the field from space with high-precision absolute magnetometry is of critical importance for improving our understanding of the dynamics of the multiple components of this field, as well as that of the ionospheric environment. The NanoMagSat project aims to deploy and operate a new LEO constellation with a current baseline of three identical 16U nanosatellites, using two 60° inclined orbits offset by 90° RAAN and one polar orbit, and hosting an innovative payload suite. This will consist of an advanced miniaturized absolute scalar and self-calibrated vector magnetometer (MAM) combined with a set of accurate star trackers (STR), a compact high-frequency field magnetometer (HFM), a multi-needle Langmuir probe (m-NLP) and dual frequency GNSS receivers. This payload suite will acquire high-precision/resolution oriented absolute vector magnetic data at 1 Hz sampling rate (for global magnetic field modelling purposes), very low noise scalar and vector magnetic field at 2 kHz (for ELF signal detection and down to decameter-scale local electrical currents monitoring), electron density data at 2 kHz (for very small scale plasma density investigations), as well as electron temperature at 1 Hz. GNSS receivers will also allow top-side TEC and radio-occultation profiles to be recovered. The three-satellite constellation design is such that all local times at all geographic locations between 60°N and 60°S will be covered in a little more than one month, much faster than Swarm, which the NanoMagSat is also designed to complement for even better coverage, should Swarm still be in operation at the time of launch. After an initial Phase 0 study carried out with CNES support, NanoMagSat was next proposed in response to the ESA Scout call in 2019 and selected for a consolidation study, which ran through 2020. It is currently undergoing an ESA-funded 18 month phase of Risk Retirement Activities (RAA), aiming at being ready for a possible final selection in 2023, targeting a launch in 2025. This presentation will report on the way the project is currently moving forward technically, programmatically and scientifically. NanoMagSat is designed to complement and improve on many of the science goals of the Swarm mission at a much lower cost, also bringing innovative science capabilities for ionospheric investigations. It aims at forming the basis of a permanent collaborative INTERMAGSAT constellation of nanosatellites for low-cost long-term monitoring of the geomagnetic field and ionospheric environment from space, complementing the INTERMAGNET network of ground-based magnetic observatories. This presentation is also meant to initiate a discussion on the way the NanoMagSat project could contribute to the goals of the COSPAR Task Group on the Establishment of a Constellation of Small Satellites (COSPAR TGCSS)

NanoMagSat, a nanosatellite LEO constellation for monitoring Earth's magnetic field and ionospheric environment

International audienceThe geomagnetic field has been continuously monitored from low-Earth orbit (LEO) since 1999, complementing ground-based observatory data by providing calibrated scalar and vector measurements with global coverage. The successful ESA Swarm constellation is expected to remain in operation until at least 2025. Further monitoring the field from space with high-precision absolute magnetometry is of critical importance for improving our understanding of the dynamics of the multiple components of this field, as well as that of the ionospheric environment. The NanoMagSat project aims to deploy and operate a new LEO constellation with a current baseline of three identical 16U nanosatellites, using two 60° inclined orbits offset by 90° RAAN and one polar orbit, and hosting an innovative payload suite. This will consist of an advanced miniaturized absolute scalar and self-calibrated vector magnetometer (MAM) combined with a set of accurate star trackers (STR), a compact high-frequency field magnetometer (HFM), a multi-needle Langmuir probe (m-NLP) and dual frequency GNSS receivers. This payload suite will acquire high-precision/resolution oriented absolute vector magnetic data at 1 Hz sampling rate (for global magnetic field modelling purposes), very low noise scalar and vector magnetic field at 2 kHz (for ELF signal detection and down to decameter-scale local electrical currents monitoring), electron density data at 2 kHz (for very small scale plasma density investigations), as well as electron temperature at 1 Hz. GNSS receivers will also allow top-side TEC and radio-occultation profiles to be recovered. The three-satellite constellation design is such that all local times at all geographic locations between 60°N and 60°S will be covered in a little more than one month, much faster than Swarm, which the NanoMagSat is also designed to complement for even better coverage, should Swarm still be in operation at the time of launch. After an initial Phase 0 study carried out with CNES support, NanoMagSat was next proposed in response to the ESA Scout call in 2019 and selected for a consolidation study, which ran through 2020. It is currently undergoing an ESA-funded 18 month phase of Risk Retirement Activities (RAA), aiming at being ready for a possible final selection in 2023, targeting a launch in 2025. This presentation will report on the way the project is currently moving forward technically, programmatically and scientifically. NanoMagSat is designed to complement and improve on many of the science goals of the Swarm mission at a much lower cost, also bringing innovative science capabilities for ionospheric investigations. It aims at forming the basis of a permanent collaborative INTERMAGSAT constellation of nanosatellites for low-cost long-term monitoring of the geomagnetic field and ionospheric environment from space, complementing the INTERMAGNET network of ground-based magnetic observatories. This presentation is also meant to initiate a discussion on the way the NanoMagSat project could contribute to the goals of the COSPAR Task Group on the Establishment of a Constellation of Small Satellites (COSPAR TGCSS)

NanoMagSat, a Low-Earth orbiting nanosatellite constellation to investigate Earth's magnetic field and ionospheric environment

International audienceThe geomagnetic field has been continuously monitored from low-Earth orbit (LEO) since 1999, complementing ground-based observatory data by providing absolute calibrated scalar and vector measurements with global planetary coverage. Such absolute magnetic vector data have proven critical for our ability to make progress in our understanding of the many sources of the Earth's magnetic field, their dynamics and the way they interact. Combined with data from adequate complementary payloads, these data can also be used to monitor the ionospheric environment. The information they provide is also massively used for many applications, ranging from orientation needs to space weather monitoring as well as, e.g., reconstructing Earth's crustal and mantle electrical conductivity. Ensuring continuity and improvement of such observations is therefore critical.Here, we will provide an overview of the current status and many science objectives of the NanoMagSat project, which aims to deploy and operate a new constellation concept of three identical 16U nanosatellites, using two inclined (approximately 60°) and one polar LEO, designed to complement and ensure continuity of the ongoing ESA Swarm mission at a much lower cost, and to also provide new science opportunities. This mission was proposed to ESA within the context of its Scout program, and is currently undergoing a 18 months Risk Retirement Activity phase funded by ESA, due to end in July 2023 and aiming at implementation for a launch possibly as early as 2026.The three-satellite constellation design is such that all local times at all geographic locations between 60°N and 60°S will be covered in a little more than one month, much faster than Swarm, which the NanoMagSat is also designed to complement for even better coverage, should Swarm still be in operation at the time of launch. Each satellite will carry an innovative payload including an advanced Miniaturized Absolute scalar and self-calibrated vector Magnetometer (MAM) combined with a set of precise star trackers (STR), a compact High-frequency Field Magnetometer (HFM), a multi-needle Langmuir Probe (m-NLP) and dual frequency GNSS receivers. This payload suite will acquire high-precision/resolution oriented absolute vector magnetic data at 1 Hz sampling rate (for global magnetic field modelling purposes), very low noise scalar and vector magnetic field at 2 kHz (for ELF signal detection and down to decameter-scale local electrical currents monitoring), electron density data at 2 kHz (for very small scale plasma density investigations), as well as electron temperature at 1 Hz. GNSS receivers will also allow top-side TEC and radio-occultation profiles to be recovered. Possibility of using the STRs to further recover energetic proton omnidirectional flux (above 100 MeV) is also considered.This presentation will also report on the way the science preparation of the project is currently moving forward with the help of its growing Science international team. On the longer term, NanoMagSat aims at forming the basis of a permanent collaborative INTERMAGSAT constellation of nanosatellites for low-cost long-term monitoring of the geomagnetic field and ionospheric environment from space, complementing the INTERMAGNET network of ground-based magnetic observatories

NANOMAGSAT SATELLITES PLATFORM AND PAYLOAD DESIGN STATUS

International audienceFollowing the very successful ESA Swarm mission, the NanoMagSat project aims to deploy and operate a new LEO constellation consisting of a baseline of three identical 16U nanosatellites to further monitor the magnetic field from space, as well as the ionospheric environment. The foreseen payload is a mix of instruments with flight heritage (multi-Needle Langmuir Probe) and new magnetometers either derived from the Swarm Absolute Scalar Magnetometer (Miniaturized Absolute Magnetometer) or specifically designed for NanoMagSat to extend the measurement capabilities towards space weather related issues (High Frequency Magnetometer). This paper will report on the progress achieved within a Risk Retirement Activity framework funded by ESA in the context of its Scout program to address the main challenges of this mission. These can be grouped into three categories: - Payload related issues, i.e., magnetometers development and qualification, as well as design of an ultra-stable optical bench on which both the MAM and the Star Trackers will be co-mounted - Design of a 3m deployable boom to minimize the residual stray fields generated by the satellite platform at the magnetometers location. In folded configuration, this boom shall fit into a 2U volume. It also has to overcome the stiffness of the harnesses connecting the instruments to the platform to ensure proper deployment. Last but not least, given its proximity to the magnetometers, the boom shall also be strictly amagnetic. This implies significant constraints on the choice of materials used. - Satellite platform subsystems accommodation and reduction of their magnetic signatures. Fitting all the hardware into the allocated volume is in itself a challenge. In addition, although the functions provided by the platform are quite generic, special care has to be taken to meet the mission's accuracy requirements. This implies a redesign of the power storage and of the distribution boards, to very significantly improve the overall magnetic budget. Results obtained during dedicated tests on representative engineering models will be compared to the mission's performance requirements. Remaining work towards mission implementation will also be detailed

On the future NanoMagSat LEO nanosatellite constellation observations of space environment

International audienceThe NanoMagSat project aims to deploy and operate a new constellation concept of three identical 16U gravitygradient stabilized nanosatellites with no propulsion but stable enough attitude control, using two inclined (~ 60°) and one polar LEO, for investigating both the Earth’s magnetic field and the ionospheric environment. Drawing from the lessons learnt from the ESA Swarm mission, which it is designed to complement and succeed, it will also provide new science opportunities thanks to its innovative constellation design and miniaturized payload

Improving monitoring of the fast changing core magnetic field with the future NanoMagSat 16U nanosatellite constellation high-precision magnetic project

International audienceThe geomagnetic field has been continuously monitored from low-Earth orbit (LEO) since 1999, complementing ground-based observatory data by providing calibrated scalar and vector measurements with global coverage. The successful three-satellite ESA Swarm constellation is expected to remain in operation up to at least 2025. Further monitoring the field from space with high-precision absolute magnetometry beyond that date is of critical importance for improving our understanding of dynamics of the multiple components of this field, in particular that of the core field, as well as the ionospheric environment. Here, we will report on the latest status of the NanoMagSat project, which aims to deploy and operate a new constellation concept of three identical 16U nanosatellites, using two inclined (approximately 60°) and one polar LEO, as well as an innovative payload including an advanced Miniaturized Absolute scalar and self-calibrated vector Magnetometer (MAM) combined with a set of precise star trackers (STR), a compact High-frequency Field Magnetometer (HFM, sharing subsystems with the MAM), a multi-needle Langmuir Probe (m-NLP) and dual frequency GNSS receivers. The data to be produced will at least include 1 Hz absolutely calibrated and oriented magnetic vector field (using the MAM and STR), 2 kHz very low noise magnetic scalar (using the MAM) and vector (using the HFM) field, 2 kHz local electron density and 1 Hz electron temperature (using the m-NLP) as well as precise timing, location and TEC products. The three-satellite constellation design is such that all local times at all geographic locations between 60°N and 60°S will be covered in a little more than one month, much faster than Swarm, which the NanoMagSat is also designed to complement for even better coverage, should Swarm still be in operation at the time of launch. In addition to presenting the nanosatellite and mission concepts, as well as the latest status of the mission (which started in January 2022 an 18 months phase of risk retirements activities funded by ESA), this presentation will focus on the expected ability of NanoMagSat to recover fast core field signals at mid and low latitudes that no previous mission could document so far, but which numerical simulations of the dynamo strongly suggest are very likely produced within the Earth's core

Improving monitoring of the fast changing core magnetic field with the future NanoMagSat 16U nanosatellite constellation high-precision magnetic project

International audienceThe geomagnetic field has been continuously monitored from low-Earth orbit (LEO) since 1999, complementing ground-based observatory data by providing calibrated scalar and vector measurements with global coverage. The successful three-satellite ESA Swarm constellation is expected to remain in operation up to at least 2025. Further monitoring the field from space with high-precision absolute magnetometry beyond that date is of critical importance for improving our understanding of dynamics of the multiple components of this field, in particular that of the core field, as well as the ionospheric environment. Here, we will report on the latest status of the NanoMagSat project, which aims to deploy and operate a new constellation concept of three identical 16U nanosatellites, using two inclined (approximately 60°) and one polar LEO, as well as an innovative payload including an advanced Miniaturized Absolute scalar and self-calibrated vector Magnetometer (MAM) combined with a set of precise star trackers (STR), a compact High-frequency Field Magnetometer (HFM, sharing subsystems with the MAM), a multi-needle Langmuir Probe (m-NLP) and dual frequency GNSS receivers. The data to be produced will at least include 1 Hz absolutely calibrated and oriented magnetic vector field (using the MAM and STR), 2 kHz very low noise magnetic scalar (using the MAM) and vector (using the HFM) field, 2 kHz local electron density and 1 Hz electron temperature (using the m-NLP) as well as precise timing, location and TEC products. The three-satellite constellation design is such that all local times at all geographic locations between 60°N and 60°S will be covered in a little more than one month, much faster than Swarm, which the NanoMagSat is also designed to complement for even better coverage, should Swarm still be in operation at the time of launch. In addition to presenting the nanosatellite and mission concepts, as well as the latest status of the mission (which started in January 2022 an 18 months phase of risk retirements activities funded by ESA), this presentation will focus on the expected ability of NanoMagSat to recover fast core field signals at mid and low latitudes that no previous mission could document so far, but which numerical simulations of the dynamo strongly suggest are very likely produced within the Earth's core