A Small/Micro-/Pico- Satellite Program for Investigating Thunderstorm-related Atmospheric Phenomena

A low cost, multi-satellite program for conducting novel atmospheric science is described. The program exploits simple visual and radio frequency sensing in order to investigate atmospheric phenomena induced by thunderstorms. The science instrumentation is supported by a variety of standalone and collaborative small, micro-, and picosatellite vehicles in order to meet the program's science requirements while also exploring a spectrum of small satellite approaches for conducting meaningful science. This multi-mission program is being developed jointly by student design teams at Stanford University and Santa Clara University.