Abstract This paper describes the outline and the five years' on-orbit results of the small scientific satellite REIMEI for aurora observations and demonstrations of advanced small satellite technologies. REIMEI is a small satellite with 72kg mass, and is provided with three-axis attitude control capabilities for aurora observations. REIMEI was launched into a nearly sun synchronous polar orbit on Aug. 23rd, 2005, from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, by Dnepr rocket. REIMEI satellite has been satisfactorily working on the orbit for five years at present as of January, 2011. Three-axis control is achieved with accuracy of 0.1° (3σ). Multi-spectrum images of aurora are taken with 8Hz rate and 2km spatial resolution to investigate the aurora physics. REIMEI is performing the simultaneous observation of aurora images and particle measurements. REIMEI indicates that even a small satellite launched as a piggy-back can successfully perform unique scientific mission purposes.
Small satellite REIMEI for auroral observations
Acta Astronautica ; 69 , 7-8 ; 499-513
2011-05-09
15 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Small satellite REIMEI for auroral observations
Online Contents | 2011
|Design and On-Orbit Evaluation of Attitude Control System for Small Scientific Satellite "REIMEI"
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2006
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