SPARCS explained

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]}

The objective of the SPARCS mission is to study the ultraviolet emissions of around ten red dwarfs in order to model its impact.^[4] 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.^[5]

SPARCS plans to be ready to launch by Q1 2025.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Web site: SPARCS. 2021-12-18. sparcs.asu.edu.
2. Web site: ASU astronomers to build space telescope to explore nearby stars. 2021-12-18. EurekAlert!. en.
3. Web site: Ardila . David R. . 13 March 2023 . SPARCS: The Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat . 12 September 2023 . JPL.
4. Web site: University. Arizona State. Astronomers to build space telescope to explore nearby stars. 2021-12-18. phys.org. en.
5. Web site: Onboard Dynamic Image Exposure Control for the Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat (SPARCS). 2021-12-18. www.spaceref.com. 22 November 2021 .
6. Web site: Home page SPARCS . 2023-12-12 . sparcs.asu.edu.