Focused investigations of relativistic electron burst intensity, range, and dynamics space weather mission global positioning system

Abstract

The FIREBIRD mission (Focused Investigations of Relativistic Electron Burst Intensity, Range, and Dynamics) is a low earth orbit, space weather, CubeSat mission which is comprised of a two satellite constellation. This constellation is responsible for the measurement of relativistic electron microbursts with very fine spatial and temporal resolution. To achieve the spatial and temporal requirements of the mission, a global positioning system (GPS), for the purpose of navigation position and timing, is to be implemented on both satellites within the constellation. The integration and testing of this subsystem is integral to the mission's success. The GPS hardware must be capable of fulfilling the requirements of the mission in order for the science data to be interpreted reliably. This means that the GPS hardware must not only be accurate but precise as well. Also, a driver must be implemented in software in order for this data from the GPS hardware to be received, interpreted, and stored by the command and data handling subsystem.