In-Situ Space Weather Analysis

The goal of this Phase 2 SBIR is for Orbotic Systems to continue the work in the Phase 1 SBIR. The result is an instrument capable of generating in-situ, global, ionospheric-thermospheric neutral density and wind ion data on a near real-time basis. Orbotic Systems is developing an instrument called WIND (Wind Ion Neutral Density) which will be finalized in Phase 2. This proposal leverages Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 and 8 hardware and software as the basis to develop a new generation of space-based space weather observation remote sensors inside of a CubeSat platform. As fully described in this proposal’s Technical Content section, the WIND instrument builds on the earlier success of the space-qualified WINCS instrument (Wind Ion Neutral Composition Suite), flown on the following missions: GPIM, STPSat-3, SENSE (CubeSat), Politech.1 (CubeSat), CADRE (CubeSat). Recent Orbotic Systems discussions with NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) show that there is a clear need to generate global atmospheric neutral density data on a real-time basis in the 200 km to 700 km altitude range. Orbotic Systems is responsive to this need and has identified a means to obtain in situ density readings to assist NOAA and the private sector in space weather forecasting efforts. In-Situ Space Weather Analysis is a low-cost solution that will enhance spacecraft orbit analysis and mitigate space debris risk thereby increasing mission success, reducing the threat of collisions, and protecting assets in space. Our WIND instrument will also provide data for SWPC to validate their models and other data-assimilation thermospheric models.