Investigation the polarization state of the Zodiacal light. Nanosatellite application

The Zodiacal light is a source of information about the integrated properties of the whole ensemble of interplanetary dust. The brightness and polarization in different directions and at different colors can provide information on the optical properties and spatial distribution of the scattering particles. During the second part of the twentieth century, enormous progress has been achieved in the studies of the zodiacal light, due to quantitative measurements and space borne observations. Alternative ways for polarimetry of interplanetary dust provide nanosatellites. We purpose to apply the first Bulgarian nanosatellite’s mission BULCUBE, which is focused on the investigation of the Zodiacal light polarization state. It represents a single unit (1U) CubeSat on a Sun-synchronous low Earth orbit. A complete study of the Zodiacal light polarization requires the measurement of its Stokes parameters. To determine this we need to modulate the intensity of light signal with optical elements. We present the experimental measurement of the Stokes parameters by using of two types of cameras that are constructed to be installed on the nanosatellite. We perform functional tests of the cameras with actuator for determining the Stokes parameters. The tests aim to investigate the possibility of using these cameras in space working conditions. The obtained results show both cameras are able to be applied in the satellite’s space mission. Based on the experiments, we develop a model that to define the light’s polarization type and state.