0000000000789727
AUTHOR
Tuomas Tikka
Feasibility study for a nanosatellite-based instrument for in-situ measurements of radio noise
The radio environment on the earth is heavily affected by manmade sources such as radio transmissions, radars, and the like. The effect is particularly strong at MF frequencies and below, since the signals can propagate large distances via ionospheric bounce. Terrestrial magnetometer measurements have long been used to predict the Kp index, which is related to radio transmission at these ranges. Space weather measurements and models can also predict propagation of MF signals on the ground.
Aalto-1, multi-payload CubeSat: Design, integration and launch
The design, integration, testing, and launch of the first Finnish satellite Aalto-1 is briefly presented in this paper. Aalto-1, a three-unit CubeSat, launched into Sun-synchronous polar orbit at an altitude of approximately 500 km, is operational since June 2017. It carries three experimental payloads: Aalto Spectral Imager (AaSI), Radiation Monitor (RADMON), and Electrostatic Plasma Brake (EPB). AaSI is a hyperspectral imager in visible and near-infrared (NIR) wavelength bands, RADMON is an energetic particle detector and EPB is a de-orbiting technology demonstration payload. The platform was designed to accommodate multiple payloads while ensuring sufficient data, power, radio, mechanica…