Cluster reconnaissance

Mathematicians and astrodynamicists at

are embarking on a three-year research project to test the feasibility of tethering microsatellites.

The Surrey team will create computer simulations that will demonstrate how tethers can be used to control the attitude and relative position of a cluster of about 20 tiny satellites.

They envision clusters of microsatellites that could one day orbit the Earth, studying plasma depletion in the upper atmosphere. Plasma depletion, a phenomenon also known as plasma bubbles, can disrupt communications signals.

The satellites — about the size of a mobile phone — would be tethered before pulling apart and scattering across small areas of the ionosphere. The tiny spacecraft will make individual measurements to give scientists a better understanding of plasma bubbles and the ability to forecast them.

'We're interested in launching satellites in clusters because the communication range of these satellites is going to be quite short,' said Phil Palmer, head of the astrodynamics team at Surrey Space Centre. 'When we release the tethers, the satellites will form a little cluster that will stay collocated for weeks, which is the duration of the mission, and they will be able to communicate together.'