University of Saskatchewan

Published purpose

Today’s space sector is characterized by the current “space 2.0” revolution in accessibility to low-earth orbit, and the proliferation and high-performance capabilities of modern CubeSat platforms. Given this context, the development of OSIRIS-3 - building strongly from the original instrument design approach - is particularly relevant. This project will take an important and early step to continue the OSIRIS data record into the future by developing a 6U CubeSat sized OSIRIS (OSIRIS-3) optical spectrometer and demonstrating the fidelity of this prototype with a test flight on a stratospheric balloon. The proposed development of the OSIRIS-3 CubeSat prototype is a critical step to an inexpensive and proven way to continue to monitor O3, NO2 and aerosol for Canadian applications. Indeed, with projected increases in forest fires due to climate change, and interest in the potential for “climate geo-engineering” with intentional stratospheric aerosol creation to curb greenhouse gas warming, a sustainable and low-cost OSIRS CubeSat instrument will be highly relevant to Canadian needs to monitor and understand these critical changes.