The BRITE Constellation nanosatellite mission: Testing, commissioning and operations

TL;DR

The BRITE Constellation nanosatellite mission demonstrates successful deployment and operation of a fleet of small satellites for precise optical photometry of bright stars, addressing unique technical challenges in low-cost space astronomy.

Contribution

This paper details the technical challenges, solutions, and operational strategies for the first nanosatellite mission dedicated to astrophysical research, serving as a model for future low-cost space missions.

Findings

Successfully commissioned 5 satellites out of 6 launched

Mitigated CCD sensitivity issues caused by particle radiation

Established effective mission operations for nanosatellite astrophysics

Abstract

BRITE (BRIght Target Explorer) Constellation, the first nanosatellite mission applied to astrophysical research, is a collaboration among Austria, Canada and Poland. The fleet of satellites (6 launched, 5 functioning) performs precise optical photometry of the brightest stars in the night sky. A pioneering mission like BRITE - with optics and instruments restricted to small volume, mass and power in several nanosatellites, whose measurements must be coordinated in orbit - poses many unique challenges. We discuss the technical issues, including problems encountered during on-orbit commissioning (especially higher-than expected sensitivity of the CCDs to particle radiation). We describe in detail how the BRITE team has mitigated these problems, and provide a complete overview of mission operations. This paper serves as a template for how to effectively plan, build and operate future low-cost niche-driven space astronomy missions.