Astroscale UK has secured a £5.15 million satellite contract from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) for the Orpheus space domain awareness mission. This mission will serve as a successor to the Prometheus-2 and CIRCE missions, which were lost in the Virgin Orbit launch in 2023.
Set for launch in 2027, Orpheus will be a key collaborative effort involving the UK government, industry, academia, and international partners, including Canada and the US. The mission aims to enhance space security and provide valuable data for various applications.
Orpheus Mission Details
The Orpheus mission will feature two nearly identical cubesats, designed and built by Open Cosmos Limited. Astroscale UK will operate the satellites, which will fly together in Low Earth, Sun-Synchronous Orbit. These satellites will gather crucial data using both in-situ and remote sensing techniques to monitor the space environment.
This mission will advance Space Domain Awareness (SDA), focusing on understanding space weather’s impact on satellites, which are critical for services like telecommunications and data transmission.
Space Domain Awareness Payloads
The satellites will carry a variety of payloads to measure the effects of space weather and improve understanding of the ionosphere, Earth’s upper atmosphere. Key payloads include:
Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) Payloads
The two HSI payloads, supplied by Dragonfly Aerospace, will capture imaging data to support scientific experiments. The payloads will be configured in a lead-trail formation, allowing them to detect and identify materials based on spectral signatures. These payloads are essential for Space Domain Awareness and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) tasks.
Ionosphere Measurement Payloads
The Orpheus mission will also carry several payloads designed to measure space weather and ionospheric characteristics:
- Triple Tiny Ionospheric Photometers (Tri-TIP): These payloads, developed by the US Naval Research Laboratory, will study the ionosphere by observing UV wavelengths on the night side of Earth.
- TOPside Ionosphere Computer Assisted Tomography (TOPCAT II): Developed by the University of Bath, UK, this payload will derive electron content from GPS signal phase variations.
- Wind Ion Neutral Composition Suite (WINCS): This US-based payload will measure ions and neutrals, providing data on density, temperature, and winds in the ionosphere.
- Radiation Monitor (RadMon): Supplied by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, UK, this payload will monitor particle radiation and dose rates in space.
These payloads will work together to generate a more complete understanding of the dynamic ionosphere and its effects on space activities.
Importance of Space Weather Understanding
Space weather can significantly impact satellite operations, including GNSS, communications, and other sensing technologies. By understanding the characteristics of the ionosphere, the Orpheus mission will help improve satellite navigation, communications, and overall space sustainability.
This knowledge is vital for both civil and defense applications, ensuring better protection of critical infrastructure in space.
Economic and Employment Impact
The Orpheus mission is expected to create significant employment opportunities in the UK. In the short term, the project will sustain 10 direct jobs at Astroscale UK and 17 additional jobs at Open Cosmos Limited, as well as further jobs across the UK supply chain.
The mission highlights the role of the defense industry in supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by creating opportunities for innovation and expansion.
The Orpheus mission is a vital step forward in enhancing the UK’s space domain awareness capabilities. By focusing on the impact of space weather and advancing the study of the ionosphere, this mission will provide critical insights for both civil and defense applications.
The collaborative effort between the UK and international partners will strengthen space security, while also providing economic benefits through job creation and innovation. With launch scheduled for 2027, Orpheus promises to be a key player in the future of space research and defense.
