A proposal for a nanosatellite for cosmic ray detection

In this paper we present a nanosatellite for cosmic ray detection. The main payload is constituted by a particle detector. A second payload may be constituted by the control unit of an innovative type of photovoltaic cells that will have a twofold objective: test the performances and provide additional power to the nanosatellite. It is under investigation the possibility of using a propulsion module in case, later in the phase A study, will be realized an additional advantage to transfer the orbit from circular (the most commonly used in commercial launches) to elliptical. Launch opportunities are relatively frequent since the market of nanosatellites is rapidly increasing and launch providers are including those into their business. The service module will provide power, radio communication, on board computer and attitude control. Thermal control will be achieved passively by the use of paint with proper absorptivity and emissivity and thermal blankets. The problem with this approach is that paint and solar cells have to share the external surface of the nanosatellite, unless a deployable solar array will be included. Besides being an important carrier of information from sources in our galaxy and beyond, cosmic rays may have influence in the terrestrial environment as well as in the technologically advanced human activities, such as orbiting satellites and human spaceflight. The objective of the satellite will be twofold: to train students with hands-on activities through all the phases of a space mission and the development of particle detectors as well as to study the properties of the detected cosmic rays with possible implication in fundamental physics and Earth environmental studies.