From a rocket experiment to a CubeSat constellation: A joint venture of scientists and university students building a remote sensing instrument for atmospheric research

The starting point of this project was the vision to obtain previously unattainable data for atmospheric research using spatially distributed remote sensing instrumentation in space. Spatial Heterodyne Spectroscopy (SHS) is a promising technology to realize optical instrumentation at micro satellite scale. Starting with a handful of Bachelor, Master and PhD students, in less than 2 years, a prototype instrument was designed, built and first tested as part of a Rocket Experiment for University Students (REXUS) campaign. Within only a few seconds in space, the basic functionality of the instrument could be shown. The instrument concept raised considerable interest in the scientific community and the team was invited to fly the spectrometer on a Chinese technology demonstration satellite. With largely new students and within less than 10 months, a satellite payload with an improved version of the initial instrument was set-up. A particular challenge were cultural and language differences between the European payload- and the Chinese satellite-team, which was handled by the students. The in-orbit demonstration was successful and only a few months later, the team was asked to fly the instrument on two more missions. These missions will bring together students from Germany, USA, India, Singapore, and further countries. In between these missions, the instrument and related processes are continuously improved. Finally, it will be only a small step toward a micro-satellite constellation. The general approach of this development is typical for ‘New Space’ and gives students, particularly when combined with high vertical integration, fantastic holistic insights into space projects.