Combining solar science and asteroid science with the space weather observation network (SWON)

Abstract

With a period of solar maximum ahead and an increasing number of air traffic and satellite activities, space weather has become more and more important over the last decade. As a response, both NASA and ESA have conducted advanced studies on future mission designs (Solar Probe respectively Solar Orbiter). The present paper introduces an alternative concept to improve space weather predictions: Instead of a classic spacecraft-based mission, a network of landers, placed on asteroids opposing Earth during their orbit, is envisioned. In addition, a solar dynamic power system is proposed, taking advantage of the environment of the considered Inner-Earth objects (IEOs). The underlying concept was evaluated during a so-called Mission Architecture Definition study, to assess the basic idea and to prepare a possible subsequent Concurrent Engineering study.