Pilot Study Rapidly Developing Mission Design for Moon-Orbiting Satellite

A pilot study conducted by the University of Portsmouth’s Space Mission Incubator has rapidly developed a mission design for a small satellite to orbit the Moon. The study supports the CosmoCube project, a cosmology mission that will collect radio waves to explore the “Dark Ages” of the Universe.

The project is led by the University of Cambridge, with strong contribution from Portsmouth. The study involved science and engineering experts working together in real-time using Portsmouth’s newly established concurrent design facility, modelled after NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s approach.

Key outcomes included evaluations of lunar orbits that maximise shielding from Earth’s radio-frequency noise, assessments of required propulsion, and analyses of trade-offs in satellite design. Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), RAL Space, and other industry experts also supported the study, helping to strengthen the mission concept.

The results of this pilot will inform the next development steps for CosmoCube as the consortium refines cost estimates, mission architecture, and timeline.