Ballistic Reinforced Communication Satellite
ExoCube is a space weather satellite sponsored by the National Science Foundation. It’s primary mission is to directly measure the density of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Helium and Nitrogen in the upper atmosphere. Cal Poly is designing the core satellite bus, while the scientific payload is supplied by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The University of Wisconsin, Madison and Scientific Solutions, Inc. (SSI) are developing the scientific objectives and providing guidance for instrument development.
NASA-Catalog: 40380
Beacon
437.270 MHz, 9k6 FSK AX.25
Call
.
Status
INACTIVE, antennas are not deployed
Orbital Parameter
NORAD 40380 COSPAR designator 2015-003-E Inclination 99.121 RA of A. Node 248.133 Eccentricity 0.0161070 Argument of Perigee 125.470 Revs per day 15.06534217 Period 1h 35m 35s (95.58 min) Semi-major axis 6 925 km Perigee x Apogee 435 x 658 km BStar (drag term) 0.000151350 1/ER Mean anomaly 236.168
Mission
he scientific payload includes two instruments that are collectively referred to as EXOS. The instruments are the Neutral Static Energy Angle Analyzer (NSEAA), the Ion Static Energy Analyzer (ISEAA), and the Total Ion Monitor (TIM). The scientific payload that is performing the experimental measurement acquisition was supplied by NASA-GSFC. The University of Wisconsin – Madison is performing tests and analysis on the acquired data. ExoCube uses an active control system to point itself in the desired direction for measurements, and uses passive control to maintain this orientation.