Space Physics Instruments for Nano-Spacecraft

Abstract:

Recent advances in CubeSat capabilities have prompted the development of increasingly ambitious mission concepts. These address significant science goals that were previously assumed to be addressable only by larger missions, and often include distributed measurements from multiple platforms. In parallel, space physics instruments are being developed that can meet the packaging requirements of CubeSats, and yet deliver high fidelity measurements. We will describe the development of two such instruments, a vector helium magnetometer and Doppler-magnetograph, and discuss several mission concepts that address outstanding problems in heliophysics.