The HENON CubeSat mission represents a groundbreaking venture into deep space, designed to monitor solar and interplanetary threats while demonstrating the capabilities of small satellites in challenging environments. This mission, known as the HEliospheric pioNeer for sOlar and interplanetary threats defeNce (HENON), aims to operate in a Sun-Earth Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO) at a staggering distance of over 10 million kilometers from Earth. Equipped with advanced payloads, including a high-resolution energetic particle radiation monitor, a Faraday cup, and a magnetometer, HENON will provide quasi-real-time monitoring of interplanetary conditions in deep space.
One of the mission’s primary objectives is to showcase the potential of CubeSats in deep space exploration. This includes long-duration electric propulsion, periodic telemetry and command, and robust attitude control for deep-space operations. By achieving these milestones, HENON will pave the way for a future fleet of spacecraft on DROs, offering continuous near real-time measurements for space weather (SWE) forecasting. This capability is crucial for protecting both space assets and terrestrial infrastructure from the adverse effects of solar activity.
The mission analysis for HENON, conducted during phases A and B, focuses on defining a baseline transfer trajectory to a heliocentric DRO in co-orbital motion with Earth. The proposed transfer strategy leverages a rideshare opportunity on a mission escaping Earth’s gravity field, likely headed toward the Sun-Earth L2 region. This approach relies exclusively on onboard electric propulsion to reach deep space, making it a pioneering demonstration of this technology. Under specific assumptions about the electric propulsion system’s performance, spacecraft mass, and propellant budget, the analysis shows that HENON can reach its target DRO in approximately one year. This timeline accounts for periodic interruptions in thrusting to allow for telemetry, tracking, and command.
The HENON mission is a testament to the growing capabilities of small satellites in advancing our understanding of space weather and enhancing our ability to predict and mitigate its impacts. By demonstrating the feasibility of long-duration electric propulsion and robust attitude control in deep space, HENON sets a new standard for future CubeSat missions. This mission not only advances our scientific knowledge but also underscores the potential of small, innovative spacecraft in exploring the far reaches of our solar system. As we look to the future, the insights and technologies developed through HENON will be instrumental in establishing a network of spacecraft that can provide continuous, real-time monitoring of space weather, ensuring the safety and security of both space and terrestrial assets. Read the original research paper here.