Abstract DGP2026-62

In recent years, the miniaturization of satellite technology has progressed rapidly, enabling new classes of autonomous instruments, high-performance subsystems, and dedicated, small-satellite-based, lower-cost interplanetary exploration missions. In low Earth orbit, small satellites have become the backbone of operational space systems and are increasingly employed in planetary science missions, for example, missions to small Solar System bodies, where they enable distributed measurements or the execution of higher-risk maneuvers. This trend is exemplified by recent and upcoming asteroid and cometary missions such as Hera, Comet Interceptor, and RAMSES. Beyond planetary science, SmallSat missions are also gaining increasing relevance in other extraterrestrial domains, including heliophysics and astronomy.

In parallel, and mutually reinforcing this trend, the exponential growth in onboard computational capabilities enables advanced data processing directly on spacecraft. This includes, for example, the execution of complex control algorithms on highly resource-constrained platforms as well as the training and deployment of neural networks for onboard classification and prioritization of sensor data.  Such capabilities have already been demonstrated in low Earth orbit, e.g. by the SONATE-2 mission and are increasingly considered for future deep-space applications, enabling new operational approaches.

This talk outlines the future potential and application areas of interplanetary SmallSat and CubeSat missions and discusses selected mission concepts and relevant technology developments pursued at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Extraterrestrial Studies (IFEX). Based on the concept of a rapid-response small-satellite flyby mission for the characterization of near-Earth asteroid (99942) Apophis, key challenges of interplanetary SmallSat missions as well as ongoing technological developments are addressed.

In addition, the presentation highlights innovative technologies currently under development at IFEX that enable new mission concepts. These include autorotation vehicles designed for the targeted delivery of payloads and the distributed deployment of sensor networks on planetary bodies with atmospheres, enabled by continued miniaturization of control hardware, advances in manufacturing, and increased onboard computing performance.  Furthermore, the potential and limitations  of intelligent and autonomous imaging systems are discussed with respect to onboard anomaly detection and autonomous data evaluation. Application scenarios range from the observation of atmospheric phenomena, such as cloud formation, lightning, meteors, or yet unknown processes on Mars, to the detection and analysis of activity of small Solar System bodies during future reconnaissance missions. 

Overall, the presented concepts and technologies demonstrate how recent advances in small satellite technologies and autonomous onboard data processing, can significantly enhance scientific return, mission responsiveness, and the conceptual diversity of future planetary science missions.