LUMIO: A CubeSat for observing and characterizing micro-meteoroid impacts on the Lunar far side

• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.03.032
• Publication Date: 2022-03-26T00:47:19Z
• Authors: A. Cervone; F. Topputo; S. Speretta; A. Menicucci; E. Turan; P. Di Lizia; M. Massari; V. Franzese; C. Giordano; G. Merisio; D. Labate; G. Pilato; E. Costa; E. Bertels; A. Thorvaldsen; A. Kukharenka; J. Vennekens; R. Walker
• Keywords: CubeSat; Micrometeoroid

The Earth-Moon system is constantly bombarded by meteoroids of different size and impact speed. Observation the impacts on Moon can enable thorough characterization Lunar meteoroid flux, which similar to that Earth. While Earth-based observations are restricted weather, geometric illumination conditions, a Lunar-based observation campaign improve detection rate and, when observing far side, complement in both space time taken from Meteoroid Impact Observer (LUMIO), one two winning concepts ESA SysNova CubeSats for Exploration challenge, mission designed observe, quantify, characterize micro-meteoroid side. It based 12U CubeSat carries LUMIO-Cam, custom-designed optical instrument capable detecting light flashes visible spectrum. spacecraft placed halo orbit about Earth–Moon L2 point, where permanent full-disk side be performed with excellent quality, given absence Earth background noise. After passing Phase 0 an independent feasibility study Concurrent Design Facility, has successfully completed its A March 2021. Although design LUMIO was assessed as feasible CDF study, number critical issues were identified, have been tackled design. paper presents outcome this effort spacecraft. Particularly relevant changes or updates include: consolidated longer baffle straylight protection; set ADCS sensors actuators increased redundancy; combination Direct-to-Earth communication inter-satellite link mothership orbit; use ranging validate current innovative autonomous navigation strategy means LUMIO-Cam; re-assessment COTS components selection power propulsion systems.