CubeSat Sensor Package for Cloud and Weather Observations

The U.S. relies on satellite systems in two complementary orbits for weather observations and data collection for inputs to forecast models: (1) polar-orbiting satellites. and (2) geostationary satellites. Systems in both orbits are critical for mapping and monitoring changes in the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface. These traditional systems can be augmented with less expensive and less complex systems. For this SBIR effort, the ASTRA team proposes to design a sensor package based on COTS components for cloud characterization and weather observations for deployment on a 6U CubeSat.