The dive and ascent satellite program for lower ionosphere research

Lower ionosphere is a transition region from outer-space to low atmosphere and had been unexplored on a continuous basis before Atmosphere Explorer satellites flew in the region. Purpose of a new aeronomy satellite, DAS (Dive and Ascent Satellite) having a capability to control orbits and flying at the very low perigee altitude less than 130 km is to explore the bottomside of ionosphere spreading over between 100 and 300 km altitudes. Preliminary study on the new aeronomy satellite is conducted at National Aerospace Laboratory in cooperation with Radio Research Laboratories and Meteorological Research Institute.This paper reviews the mission design, orbit decay and transfer analysis, typical orbit profile, aerodynamic characteristics and satellite configuration study, aerodynamic heating and thermal control analysis, attitude control analysis, on-board propulsion and power subsystems, and operation analysis with emphasis on their technical feasibility.