Water Recognition on the Moon by Using THz Heterodyne-Spectrometer for Identifying the Appropriate Locations to Extract Water for Providing Oxygen for Breathing and Fuel for Spaceships’ Propulsion on the Moon with CubeSat

Rastinasab, Vahid; Hu, Weidong; Tahmasebi, Mohammad Kazem

doi:10.3390/aerospace8070186

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…The concepts arising from this insightful speech suggest that space colonization is a vital investment for the long-term survival of humanity [30]. As the sun's energy is finite, with estimates suggesting it will die out in the next 5 billion years, it is logical to begin taking preventive measures now to ensure humanity's future [31]. To create life on an extraterrestrial planet, water is a vital element there.…”

Section: Design Methodologymentioning

confidence: 99%

CubeSat-Based Observations of Lunar Ice Water Using a 183 GHz Horn Antenna: Design and Optimization

Rastinasab,

Hu,

Shahzad

et al. 2023

Applied Sciences

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Technological advancements have revolutionized the space industry, facilitating deep space exploration using CubeSats. One objective is to locate potential life-support elements, such as water, on extraterrestrial planets. Water possesses a distinct spectral signature at 183 GHz, useful in remote sensing and environmental monitoring applications. Detecting this signature provides crucial information about water and ice presence and distribution on celestial bodies, aiding future exploration and colonization efforts. Mostly in space remote sensing uses corrugated horn antennae due to high gain and radiation patterns but fabrication of corrugated antenna is very challenging or even impossible in some cases. To ease this challenge, in our research we propose ideas to transform a corrugated horn antenna into a smooth-walled design by using MATLAB Cubic smoothing Splines algorithms. We compare simulation results between smooth-walled and corrugated antennas, and we can see some improvements in insertion losses, Voltage Standing Wave ratio (VSWR), and gain. We also manufactured this 183 GHz antenna using a commercially available 3D printer by utilizing Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) material. The antenna surface was then coated with a thin layer of copper using conductive paint. In the end, we practically evaluate smooth-walled antenna functionality and compare it with the theriacal results. Validating the antenna’s functionality proposes a cost-effective and accessible production method to be used in a CubeSat engineering model or university students’ project.

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Section: Design Methodologymentioning

confidence: 99%

CubeSat-Based Observations of Lunar Ice Water Using a 183 GHz Horn Antenna: Design and Optimization

Rastinasab,

Hu,

Shahzad

et al. 2023

Applied Sciences

Self Cite

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“…It should be noted that the mothership utilizes an active THz radiometer to perform active remote sensing of the Mars atmosphere; therefore, the mothership can collect data day and night; it gives a new objective to the Mars orbiter. Research indicates that THz devices can determine the total thickness and shapes of clouds [77], and previous studies have shown that Mars' atmospheric water vapor averages around 1% [78]. Therefore, we propose the THz radiometer as a scientific mission to scan the Martian atmosphere and give us new, as yet undefined, data from the Martian atmosphere.…”

Section: The Mission Scientific Payload: Usage Of Thz Radiometer For ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

MeSat Mission: Exploring Martian Environment with THz Radiometer Payload and Optimal Trajectory

Rastinasab,

Hu,

Saghamanesh

et al. 2024

Remote Sensing

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Space exploration presents vast prospects for scientific, industrial, and economic progress. This paper introduces the MeSat mission as a pioneering approach to Mars exploration. The MeSat aims to deepen our understanding of Martian conditions and resources by employing an optimized Earth-to-Mars trajectory, enabling a comprehensive study of the Martian atmosphere and surface. The mission comprises a cargo microsatellite hosting three 6U CubeSats and two 3U CubeSats, deployed into four separate Mars orbits to form a constellation. Each CubeSat carries distinct payloads: a THz radiometer for Martian water vapor atmospheric observation, a high-resolution surface camera, a high-tech spectrometer, and a Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) for wind speed readings. This paper includes the majority of the key parameters; however, we focus our discussion more on two aspects of this pioneering mission: the first aspect contains the proposal of four distinct payloads for the study of Mars’ atmosphere and the second aspect proposes an optimal mission design algorithm that analyzes a fuel-efficient low-thrust trajectory from Earth to Mars. Regarding the payloads, the THz radiometer requires a specific design; hence, we explain this payload in more depth; the rest of the payloads, we suggest utilizing commercially available elements for the cost-effective manufacture of a whole system. For mission trajectory optimization, the study employs a dual-step hybrid optimization algorithm (PSO-homotopy) to analyze fuel-efficient low-thrust trajectories from Earth to Mars, incorporating the ephemeris dynamics model to account for gravitational perturbations in the entire Solar System. In practical mission design, crucial factors like hyperbolic excess velocity, diverse opportunities for Earth launch and Mars rendezvous, varied propulsion systems, and time of flight (TOF) play vital roles in trajectory optimization. In summary, for the MeSat mission, we propose a comprehensive Mars environmental mission design. We consider all aspects of the mission from trajectory design to engineering detail design, since we would like to inspire future Mars missions with a complete report.

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“…Another example is [27], which makes a review on 130 CubeSat missions, grouped depending on their main goal: Astrophysics, Deep Space Exploration, Earth Science, Heliophysics: Space Weather, Spaceborne In Situ Laboratory, and Technology Demonstration. Some examples are missions to perform asteroid mining and a Lunar CubeSat Injector to identify locations of water sources on the Moon with the help of a spectrometer [28], and missions to quantify dust particles in orbit [29].…”

Section: The Cubesat Paradigmmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review on CubeSat Missions for Ionospheric Science

2023

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The ionosphere is a fundamental component of the Earth’s atmosphere, impacting human activities such as communication transmissions, navigation systems, satellite functions, power network systems, and natural gas pipelines, even endangering human life or health. As technology moves forward, understanding the impact of the ionosphere on our daily lives becomes increasingly important. CubeSats are a promising way to increase understanding of this important atmospheric layer. This paper reviews the state of the art of CubeSat missions designed for ionospheric studies. Their main instrumentation payload and orbits are also analyzed from the point of view of their importance for the missions. It also focuses on the importance of data and metadata, and makes an approach to the aspects that need to be improved.

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Water Recognition on the Moon by Using THz Heterodyne-Spectrometer for Identifying the Appropriate Locations to Extract Water for Providing Oxygen for Breathing and Fuel for Spaceships’ Propulsion on the Moon with CubeSat

Cited by 7 publications

References 25 publications

CubeSat-Based Observations of Lunar Ice Water Using a 183 GHz Horn Antenna: Design and Optimization

CubeSat-Based Observations of Lunar Ice Water Using a 183 GHz Horn Antenna: Design and Optimization

MeSat Mission: Exploring Martian Environment with THz Radiometer Payload and Optimal Trajectory

A Review on CubeSat Missions for Ionospheric Science

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