Nanosatellite Mission to Near-Earth Objects: An Overview

Ochoa C.A.; Lopez J.A.; Alvarez J.; Vargas-Cuentas N.I.; Roman-Gonzalez A. · Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC (2023)

Resumen

In recent years, interest and study of Near-Earth Objects (NEO) has increased. Nowadays, we want to study NEOs more for several reasons, among which we can mention the study of their composition, their orbits and their possible impact on Earth. One of the main limitations of the study of NEOs, especially for developing countries, is the high cost of missions. In this sense, an alternative could be the use of small satellite missions and commercial electrical, electronic and electromechanical (AEE) devices, these being more economical than those for military use. In recent years, the design, implementation and deployment of nanosatellites have increased exponentially. These nanosatellites use commercial components known as COTS, which reduces mission costs. In recent years, the term "Space COTS" developed in Germany has been designed to indicate those commercial components that have been qualified for space use. This work presents a general proposal for NEO nanosatellite missions and a study of the state of the art of NEO missions using Space COTS, especially those proposed by developing countries. The use of Space COTS will reduce the costs of a NEO mission and allow its study based on nanosatellite missions. Due to technological advances, nanosatellite missions have been achieved for educational purposes and for more scientific tasks. Likewise, it is expected that investment in nanosatellite missions to the NEO can revolutionize its study and analysis. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Universidad Nacional Tecnológica de Lima Sur