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CubeSat QB50
Carrying out a scientific measurement campaign with a satellite constellation to probe the middle and lower thermosphere.
13 August 2018
The QB50 mission demonstrates the possibility of launching a network of CubeSats built by Universities Teams all over the world to perform first-class science in the largely unexplored lower thermosphere.
Space agencies are not pursuing a multi-spacecraft network for in-situ measurements in the lower thermosphere because the cost of a network of 50 satellites built to industrial standards would be extremely high and not justifiable in view of the limited orbital lifetime. No atmospheric network mission for in-situ measurements has been carried out in the past or is planned for the future. A network of satellites for in-situ measurements in the lower thermosphere can only be realised by using very low-cost satellites, and CubeSats are the only realistic option.
36 CubeSats have been launched into orbit in 2017. Their positions, data, and detailed information can be found on the听.