Magnetic Field Readings with Lunar CubeSat Landing

The proposed spacecraft will study the magnetic field properties on the far side of the lunar surface. The CubeSat will capture high-resolution images during lunar descent, and measure magnetic fields by magnetometer during descent and after touchdown. The CubeSat is made of aluminum and Kevlar, with aluminized Mylar blankets to reflect solar radiation. The guidance, navigation and control system will use a star tracker, an inertial measurement unit and reaction wheels to orient the CubeSat. A laser rangefinder will determine the distance from the moon’s surface, the camera will guide the CubeSat during landing, and two deployable solar panel arrays will convert sunlight into useful energy to be stored by the main battery.Four engine modules provide up to 24 Newtons of adjustable thrust for maneuvers and attitude control support, combined with a modular array motor system for lunar descent and eventual touchdown. Two on-board computers will house software to autonomously control the hardware and instruments on board. The data will be relayed to the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway via X band and ultrahigh-frequency transmission systems for analysis.