Ultraviolet and visible all-sky monitoring with a Cubesat

The PhotSat mission is the first astrophysical satellite entirely developed by the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC) in collaboration with the Catalan industrial ecosystem. Its goal is to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos by capturing visible and ultraviolet light images to monitor the entire sky with unprecedented precision.

Why is PhotSat Unique?

Ground-based astronomical observations face challenges such as atmospheric absorption and the day-night cycle. PhotSat overcomes these obstacles from low Earth orbit, offering:

• Full-sky coverage every 2-3 days.

• Monitoring of 40 million bright astrophysical sources.

• Observations in ultraviolet (UV), a range inaccessible from the ground.

• Early detection of transient events like supernovae and stellar flares.

• Equipped with two advanced telescopes and an innovative optical system, PhotSat will track the cosmos with unparalleled frequency and detail.

Cutting-Edge Technology

The PhotSat satellite integrates state-of-the-art NewSpace technology:

• 16-Unit CubeSat Platform (16U): compact and efficient design.

• VIS and UV Telescopes: CMOS detectors to capture phenomena in both visible and ultraviolet ranges.

• Sun-synchronous orbit: ensuring thermal and energy stability.

• Dynamic scanning system: capturing images of every celestial position every 2-3 days.

Thanks to its design, PhotSat will transmit up to 21 GB of daily data, ensuring a continuous flow of information for the scientific community.

Scientific Impact

PhotSat addresses key questions in astrophysics:

• Precise characterization of stars, exoplanets, and galaxies.

• Study of transient events such as supernovae explosions and gamma-ray bursts.

• Monitoring of solar system objects, including asteroids and space weather phenomena.

• Its ultraviolet observation capability will enable unprecedented measurements, such as the analysis of the Balmer jump, crucial for studying stellar temperatures and gravities.

The PhotSat consortium

Led by the IEEC and supported by academic and industrial partners, PhotSat positions Catalonia as a key player in the space sector. Moreover, it will lay the foundation for future missions with accessible and sustainable technologies. Follow PhotSat’s journey and be part of this groundbreaking exploration of the cosmos!

Learn more at ieec.cat