Subscribe with SteadyNEUTRON 1
NEUTRON 1 [University of Hawaii]
NEUTRON 1 is a 3U CubeSat mission developed by students of the University of Hawaii, Honolulu (Ma-noa), to measure low energy neutron flux in the low Earth orbit (LEO) environment in efforts to gather new science data.
The data gathered by a 3U CubeSat platform can contribute to understanding the complex relationship between Earth and Sun through mapping neutron abundances LEO. In combination with data obtained by other spacecraft and ground-based measurement stations, the team will evaluate the variability of galactic cosmic radiation as a function of solar variability.
Attention will be paid to unusual neutron abundances in relation to solar flares, solar particle events, and disturbances of the Earth?s magnetic field. Also neutron data for potential application in space weather characterization and radiation safety will be evaluated. The proposed neutron flux detector design is based on established detection methods, but will be miniaturized to fit within a CubeSat payload envelope. In addition to the science, this first mission can provide flight heritage for further development of CubeSat based neutron detectors.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Science, astronomy, particles |
| Operator: | University of Hawaii, Hawai`i Space Flight Laboratory, Honolulu |
| Contractors: | University of Hawaii, Hawai`i Space Flight Laboratory, Honolulu |
| Equipment: | |
| Configuration: | CubeSat (3U) |
| Propulsion: | None |
| Power: | Solar cells, batteries |
| Lifetime: | 1 year |
| Mass: | 3.5 kg |
| Orbit: | 414 km 417 km, 51.65 |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEUTRON 1 | 1998-067RT | 03.10.2020 | WI LC-0A | Antares-230+ | with Cygnus CRS-14, Bobcat 1, SPOC, Lemur-2 124, Lemur-2 125, DESCENT Mother, DESCENT Daughter, SATLLA 1 |
Launch Sites:
- WI = Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Virginia, USA
References:
- Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory: NEUTRON-1
