CapSat-DRAGONS: A Rideshare Technology Demonstration/Orbital Debris Measurement Mission

CapSat-DRAGONS is a mission to measure orbital debris in the earth science orbit called the A-Train. CapSat-DRAGONS stands for Capsulation Satellite - Debris Resistive/Acoustic Grid Orbital National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-Navy Sensor. The CapSat-DRAGONS mission intends to collect actual impact data on the millimeter-sized orbital debris (OD) at 600–1000 km altitude. Such small debris represents the highest penetration risk to satellites operating in that region (currently over 400 spacecraft). However, there is a lack of data for reliable OD impact risk assessments to support the development and implementation of cost-effective protective measures for the safe operations of future NASA missions. CapSat-DRAGONS will help provide that data which will be used to update NASA's Orbital Debris Engineering Model (ORDEM). The model is developed and maintained by the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO), funded by the NASA Office of Mission Assurance and used by all NASA missions and the aerospace community. CapSat-DRAGONS is in NASA's budget starting in fiscal year 2020. It is planned to launch on an available rideshare opportunity approximately 3 years later. This paper will focus on the mission architecture and technical challenges associated with implementing this type of a low cost rideshare mission.