Geosynchronous Roaming Reconnaissance and Inspector Spacecraft

Busek proposes to develop an agile satellite capable of providing high resolution imagery of other satellites in Geostationary Orbit (GEO). This solar electric satellite inspector could be launched as a low cost secondary payload. For primary propulsion, the spacecraft will carry a high specific impulse Hall Effect thruster (HET). The available change in velocity (V) will exceed 6 km/s, allowing unprecedented orbital maneuverability including transfers from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to Geostationary orbit (GEO) coupled with additional maneuvers in GEO. In Phase I, Busek will conduct system trades to identify an inspector satellite mission concept that will provide better than 0.1m resolution imagery of several GEO satellites. The work plan will include requirements definition, mission analysis, spacecraft design, and program planning. Appropriate sensor/telescope options, orbital configuration, and downlinks will also be identified. The spacecraft will be designed to survive a slow journey from LEO to GEO through the radiation belts.