SOLSAT: An FPGA Based satellite for effective Solar-activity monitoring

TL;DR

This paper proposes a satellite constellation in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using FPGA technology to continuously monitor solar activity and geomagnetic data, aiming to improve the accuracy and diversity of Kp index measurements for better space weather prediction.

Contribution

It introduces a novel FPGA-based satellite system for real-time, continuous geomagnetic data collection, enhancing global coverage and data diversity for solar activity monitoring.

Findings

Design of FPGA-based satellite hardware for solar monitoring

Potential for improved real-time geomagnetic data collection

Enhanced global coverage of solar activity data

Abstract

Kp-Index is a very important factor for determining how the Sun's magnetic field is affecting the Earth's magnetic field and help us prepare for the worst (like solar or geomagnetic storms). Currently there are around thirteen observation centers to determine the worldwide Kp index. Huge data is generated from all the observation centers which is then used to determine several factors, but the observatories are concentrated in places like North America and Europe only. To eliminate the data dependency from a very limited geographical periphery we can use a constellation of satellites in LEO which can log in data continuously and provide a real time and accurate Kp index which can help humanity for tackling with the impending issues from our nearest star in a better way. The constellation of the satellites will be deployed in the Low Earth Orbit(LEO) and continuously log the geomagnetic data and provide a constant stream of data, which will be more diverse given the area coverage made by one satellite. This is essentially a boon as more the data we can have better geomagnetic data and the Kp index will be all encompassing which can help in better mapping of any solar-catastrophe.