The next few years will mark the rise of small spacecraft, such as CubeSats, undertaking interplanetary missions in swarms, Mikhail Ovchinnikov, Chief Researcher and Head of the Department of Space Systems Dynamics at the Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics, told Sputnik.
CubeSats, developed in the 1990s, are expected to reach their full potential by 2030, he said.
"This decade will see small spacecraft increasingly used for interplanetary missions, while the next decade will usher in the era of interplanetary spacecraft swarms," the professor explained.
The primary advantage of small spacecraft lies in their affordability. Ovchinnikov pointed to the 2023 Capstone CubeSat mission to the Moon, which cost just $30 million. Additionally, these satellites can be launched in groups, enhancing mission reliability.
"If one fails during the journey, another can continue toward the destination planet," he said.
The concept of spacecraft swarms offers significant benefits.
"If a swarm is conducting a mission and one spacecraft fails, the financial loss is minimal, and the mission's success remains unaffected. Decommissioning a malfunctioning satellite is inexpensive, and a more advanced replacement can be sent from Earth. This constant technological evolution strengthens the mission over time," Ovchinnikov added.
Exploring Mars and the Moon
Small spacecraft could play a critical role in exploring Mars' atmosphere, Ovchinnikov emphasized.
"To study the composition of Mars' atmosphere, it would be ideal to 'X-ray' it. Two small satellites placed in different orbits could interact over a distance to achieve this goal. This platform could also be used for lunar missions. Another promising approach is combining small and large spacecraft in a symbiotic relationship," he said.
In 2018, two 6U CubeSats were sent to Mars alongside NASA's InSight mission. However, they had to remain close to the main spacecraft due to limited power and energy constraints, Ovchinnikov noted. The lack of powerful propulsion systems, combined with their lightweight design, currently restricts CubeSats' ability to undertake independent interplanetary missions.
Studying Asteroids
CubeSats also hold potential for asteroid research, according to the expert.
"They can fly close to an asteroid or even land on its surface. Landing on asteroids is less complex compared to landing on distant planets; it requires significantly less fuel and simpler propulsion systems, unlike missions to Mars," he explained.
The versatility and cost-effectiveness of CubeSats make them a promising tool for advancing space exploration, particularly in the study of celestial bodies and interplanetary environments.