Current Context : NASA is set to launch a CubeSat Radio Interferometry Experiment (CURIE) mission to study the mysteries of solar radio waves.
ABOUT CUBESAT RADIO INTERFEROMETRY EXPERIMENT (CURIE):
- Aim : to investigate the enigmatic origins of radio waves emanating from the Sun, a phenomenon first observed decades ago.
- Technique used : low frequency radio interferometry, marking its first use in space.
- Mission consists of two miniature spacecraft, collectively no larger than a shoebox, which will orbit Earth approximately two miles apart.
- It will measure radio waves in the 0.1 to 19 megahertz range, frequencies blocked by Earth’s upper atmosphere.
- CURIE will orbit 360 miles above Earth’s surface to obtain an clear view of the Sun’s radio waves.
- Once in orbit, the two CURIE spacecraft will separate, deploy their eight-foot antennas, and begin collecting data.
- Sponsored by NASA’s Heliophysics Flight Opportunities for Research and Technology (H-FORT) Program.