Small Satellites for Space Science (4S) COSPAR Roadmap
Abstract
In 2016 COSPAR commissioned an international scientific roadmap on Small Satellites for Space Science (4S), focusing particularly on CubeSats and CubeSat-technology enabled small satellites. The report is motivated by recent progress and results summarized in a published paper (Zurbuchen, von Steiger et al., Performing High-Quality Science on CubeSats, Space Research Today, Vol. 196, pp. 10-30, August 2016) and a study by the US National Academies (Zurbuchen, Lal, et al., Achieving Science with CubeSats: Thinking Inside the Box, The National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2016).The roadmap has been developed by a study team that covers a broad range of scientific disciplines, from Earth to planetary science and from solar system science to astronomy. The team is composed of scientists and engineers working in universities, public research institutions and industry. The report is structured into three main parts:I. Our Neighborhood: current status and scientific potential of small satellites and CubeSatsII. Visions for the Future: potential ideas for what small satellites could be in the futureIII. Challenges to Further Development and Progress, and Ways to Overcome Them: roles of agencies, industry, policies, international collaboration and exchangeIn this presentation, members of the study team will give an overview of the roadmap and summarize the findings of the study team with emphasis on the parts relating to Earth observation in particular. The final report is intended to be of value to space agencies, key actors, industries, and governments involved in Small Satellites
- Publication:
-
42nd COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- July 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018cosp...42E3560V