.jpg) Prelaunch processing of ArgoMoon spacecraft | |
| Mission type | Technology |
|---|---|
| Operator | ASI /NASA |
| COSPAR ID | 2022-156G |
| SATCATno. | 55907 |
| Mission duration | 10 months and 28 days[1] |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | ArgoMoon |
| Spacecraft type | CubeSat |
| Bus | 6U CubeSat |
| Manufacturer | Argotec |
| Payload mass | 14 kg (31 lb) |
| Dimensions | 12 cm x 24 cm x 36 cm |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 16 November 2022, 06:47:44 UTC[2] |
| Rocket | SLS Block 1 |
| Launch site | Kennedy Space Center,LC-39B |
| Contractor | NASA |
| End of mission | |
| Disposal | Decommissioned |
| Declared | 17 March 2023[1] |
| Last contact | 14 October 2023[1] |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Heliocentric orbit |
ArgoMoon is aCubeSat that was launched into aheliocentric orbit onArtemis 1, the maiden flight of theSpace Launch System, on 16 November 2022 at 06:47:44 UTC.[2][3] The objective of the ArgoMoon spacecraft is to take detailed images of theInterim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage following Orion separation, an operation that will demonstrate the ability of a cubesat to conduct precise proximity maneuvers in deep space. ASI has not confirmed nor denied whether this took place, but several images of the Earth and the Moon were taken.[4]
ArgoMoon completed its operations using proprietary software for autonomous navigation on 17 March 2023, however it remained in contact with Earth until October that year.[1] The spacecraft also demonstrated long-distance optical communication with Earth.[5][6]
TheOrion spacecraft is the primary payload ofArtemis 1. The main focus of the Artemis 1 mission is demonstrating SLS and Orion operations, however the absence of cargo allowed for the opportunity to launch several low-mass cubesats along with Orion assecondary payloads.
In September 2015, NASA opened an invitation for proposals of 6U cubesats to be launched as part of the mission. Among the proposals evaluated by theItalian Space Agency (ASI), theEuropean Space Agency (ESA), and finallyNASA, theArgotec proposal was one of the selected spacecraft. ArgoMoon will be the only European satellite to participate in the mission.[7][8]
The mission was declared complete in 17 March 2023, however it continued to operate until it lost contact on 14 October 2023, roughly 332 days after launch.[1]
Argotec engineers noticed the inability of theInterim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage to send telemetry during the CubeSat deployment phase, which occurs a few hours after the separation of the Orion spacecraft. It was this issue that triggered Argotec to propose a satellite capable of performing a proximity flight with the ICPS, able to take photographs and provide an inspection to confirm the success of CubeSat deployment.
Before being injected into aheliocentric orbit because of thelunar flyby, ArgoMoon will perform a propulsive maneuver to close in ageocentric orbit. The second part of the mission will last a few months up to the natural decay of the satellite. During these months, the satellite will collect telemetry validating thenanotechnology on board the platform in the hostile environment of deep space. Up to now, CubeSats were mainly targeted to Earth observation missions, where the satellite are naturally shielded from radiation by theEarth's magnetic field.
ArgoMoon will have a hybrid propulsion system,monopropellant andcold gas thrusters, to provideattitude control (orientation) andorbital maneuvering. LMP-103S monopropellant is based onammonium dinitramide. Cold gas thrusters useR-134a hydrofluorocarbon.[9]
Another peculiarity of ArgoMoon is the use of radiation-resistant components. The absence of the protection provided by the magnetosphere requires the selection of components that have been designed and tested to withstandradiation. In order to provide detailed photographs of the mission, ArgoMoon is equipped with a narrow field of view camera to acquire inspectionphotography. This optical payload is supported by another one with wide field of view to provide images to the onboard computer where an imaging software process them in order to perform autonomous navigation and target fine pointing.
In September 2015,Argotec delivered the ArgoMoon proposal toNASA. The proposal was reviewed and approved byItalian Space Agency (ASI),European Space Agency (ESA) and then by NASA. The project is coordinated by the Italian Space Agency and the satellite launch is planned as a secondary payload of theArtemis 1 mission.[10]
Argotec engineers worked in the definition of the mission objectives and phases, the mission analysis, and the configuration of the satellite. The electrical power subsystem, the on-board computer, and the on-board software are designed and developed by Argotec as well, including the imaging software for target recognition and pointing.
The selection of the components or units vendors has preferred European companies where available.[11][12][13]
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.2022 in space | ||
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