Space Weather with Small Satellites: Short Review

Abstract

Small satellites (SmallSats, including CubeSats), thanks to recent developments in miniaturization and commercial availability of vital satellite subsystems and detector technology, are now a desirable, affordable prospective answer for space weather research and operational demands. We discuss the need for sophisticated space weather measurement capabilities, driven by analyses from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and how SmallSats can effectively fill these measurement gaps. This discussion is inspired by the first International Workshop on SmallSats for Space Weather Research and Forecasting, held in Washington, DC, on 1-4 August 2017.Small satellites can fill in the gaps in space weather measurements, which are detected. It is briefly explored how solar inputs to space weather models, space radiation management, estimates of the upper Earth's atmosphere's energy budget, and satellite drag modeling could be improved. It is advised that tiny satellites use key observables, sensors, and observational techniques. It is suggested to optimize tracking for tiny satellites.