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Regatta-Plasma Mission

An even more complex mission to understand better "solar activity, the mechanisms for the transmission of solar effects through the interplanetary medium, and the reactions of near-planet space to solar disturbances" is the subject of the proposed multi-spacecraft Regatta-Plasma mission. The Regatta class of spacecraft represents a dramatic move toward reducing the size, complexity, and hence cost of scientific satellites while still returning valuable data. Conceived by the Institute of Space Research, Regatta satellites would be 500-600 kg platforms with 40-50% of the mass devoted to the scientific payload. A unique aspect of the Regatta configuration is the use of coated solar rudders to control the spin of the spacecraft and a large, immovable solar sail which is aligned with the Sun and acts as a general stabilizer. In a stowed configuration the size of Regatta is no more than 2.35 m tall and 2.5 m in diameter, but in orbit the spacecraft may be up to 3.0 m tall and 9.0 m in diameter.

The Regatta-Plasma mission calls for a constellation of five spacecraft in widely dispersed orbits (Figure 5.10). Regatta-Ye would conduct research within the Earth's radiation belts in an orbit of 500 km by 25,000 km with an inclination of 62.5 degrees. Regatta-A would orbit the Earth in a manner similar to ESA's Cluster satellites, i.e., perigee of 4 RE, apogee of 22 RE, and an inclination of 90 degrees. Regatta-D would follow a complicated path with periodic fly-by's of the Moon. The last spacecraft, Regatta-V and Regatta-S, would be inserted into halo orbits around the L1 and L2 libration points, respectively. This multi-dimensional, time-sensitive network would provide a comprehensive look at the response of the near-Earth environment to solar activity. Initially proposed for operation during 1994-1997, the Regatta-Plasma mission is now likely to bedelayed at least several years due, in part, to restructuring of the Russian space program (References 72-75).