A payload design concept for Earth and space observations
Abstract
Orion Space Solutions presents a novel integrated system that leverages Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals of opportunity for comprehensive Earth and space observations. The proposed platform combines GNSS-Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO), GNSS Reflectometry (GNSS-R), and other advanced sensing capabilities into a unified SmallSat-compatible payload. GNSS-RO provides temperature and water vapor profiles with exceptional vertical resolution of 100-200 meters in the troposphere, delivering SI-traceable bias-free anchor observations with cloud-penetrating microwave L-band frequencies. While averaged over a longer horizontal occultation path, this precision can reveal fine-scale vertical atmospheric structures typically smoothed by traditional nadir sounders. Simultaneously, GNSS-R utilizes existing GNSS signal reflections to measure sea state and surface winds. The L-band frequency of GNSS penetrates heavy precipitation, enabling superior tropical cyclone observations where traditional radiometers struggle. Additionally, this sensor suite integrates a space weather set of compact instruments to measure ionospheric plasma density, density variations, plasma temperature, Earth’s magnetic field, plasma waves, electron temperature and density, static magnetic fields, and magnetic field waves. These simultaneous measurements enable novel observation of the space environment and will identify wakes, turbulence, and scintillation regions invisible to conventional radar/optical systems, while delivering continuous, high-resolution insights across congested Low Earth Orbit (LEO) regions. This environmental intelligence enhances operational safety, improves conjunction risk assessment, and strengthens mission planning by identifying plasma conditions that disrupt GNSS and aviation communications. These capabilities are suitable for deployment on a variety of satellite architectures, representing a transformative approach to Earth and space domain awareness.