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Unveiling Energetic Particle Dynamics in the Near‐Earth Environment From CubeSat Missions
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Unveiling Energetic Particle Dynamics in the Near‐Earth Environment From CubeSat Missions
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Journal Article
Unveiling Energetic Particle Dynamics in the Near‐Earth Environment From CubeSat Missions
2024
Overview
The discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts marked a prominent milestone in space physics. Recent advances, through the measurements of two CubeSat missions, have shed new light on the dynamics of energetic particles in the near‐Earth environment. Measurements from CSSWE, a student‐led mission, revealed that the decay of low‐energy neutrons, associated with cosmic rays impacting the atmosphere, is the primary source of relativistic electrons at the inner edge of the inner belt (Li et al., Nature, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature2464). Recently CIRBE captured striking details of energetic electron dynamics (Li et al., GRL, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023gl107521), further demonstrating high‐quality science achievable with CubeSat missions. Plain Language Summary CubeSats are small, low‐cost satellites that are becoming increasingly popular for scientific research. In this commentary, the author shares his personal experience of leading students and professionals in developing and operating two CubeSats that measure energetic particles in the near‐Earth environment. The first CubeSat was launched in 2012, operated until the end of 2014, and far exceeded expectations, producing valuable scientific results. The second CubeSat, launched in 2023, has a much more advanced instrument and revealed far more detailed dynamics of energetic particles. We believe such a commentary may be of general interest and provide encouragement to other teams involved in development of a CubeSat mission, which can be an excellent way to do high‐quality scientific research at a relatively low cost. Key Points High‐impact science can be accomplished by a student‐led CubeSat mission, with professional mentorship With continued miniaturization of spacecraft subsystems, high‐resolution and quality‐measurements from a CubeSat are achievable Synergistic team efforts, early and frequent testing, and a stroke of luck are required to be successful
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons, Inc,Wiley
