Stochastic monitoring of the space environment with femtosatellite swarms

Abstract

This paper is an exploration of how massively distributed femtosatellite networks can be implemented in space missions aimed at modelling the space environment for variables that show both time and space dependence. A theory of distributed sensing for space-time deconvolution is presented and performance parameters for system evaluation are described. Measurement of the magnetic field in low Earth orbit, in the presence of field perturbations, is selected as a case study for demonstrating the concept in simulation. A femtosatellite swarm, designed for the simulated space environment, shows the capability of space-time deconvolution in sensing. From the simulated mission, challenges in the design and deployment of free-flying sensor swarms, especially in the femtosatellite mass range, are identified and discussed.