SPARCS
SPARCS (Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat) is an American ultraviolet space nano-telescope in the CubeSat 6U format (30x20x10 cm at launch, 12 kg) whose objective is to study the near and far ultraviolet radiation of galactic red dwarfs.[1] The mission selected by NASA is developed and managed by Arizona State University with the participation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) which provides the telescope and its detectors.[2][3][4]
Objectives
[edit]The objective of the SPARCS mission is to study the ultraviolet emissions of around ten red dwarfs in order to model its impact.[5] SPARCS is with ASTERIA one of the first space astronomy missions using the extremely miniaturized CubeSat format. This new category of satellite opens up prospects in the field of long-term observations of astronomical phenomena thanks to their reduced cost.[6][7]
Timeline
[edit]SPARCS is expected to launch in 2027.[8]
External Links
[edit]- "Tiny satellite, big discoveries, from campus to cosmos - The Arizona State Press". www.statepress.com. Retrieved 2025-11-16.
References
[edit]- ^ "SPARCS". sparcs.asu.edu. Retrieved 2021-12-18.
- ^ "ASU astronomers to build space telescope to explore nearby stars". EurekAlert!. Retrieved 2021-12-18.
- ^ Ardila, David R. (13 March 2023). "SPARCS: The Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat" (PDF). JPL. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Home page | SPARCS". sparcs.asu.edu. Retrieved 2023-12-12.
- ^ University, Arizona State. "Astronomers to build space telescope to explore nearby stars". phys.org. Retrieved 2021-12-18.
- ^ "Onboard Dynamic Image Exposure Control for the Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat (SPARCS)". www.spaceref.com. 22 November 2021. Retrieved 2021-12-18.[permanent dead link]
- ^ SPARCS: The Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat
- ^ "TSIS-2 & Others". Retrieved 20 November 2025.
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