Mission Analysis and Simulation for Data Collection and Study of the South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly

Abstract

Recent years have highlighted the need for dedicated space missions to monitor the space environment and geophysical phenomena affecting satellite operations. The South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly (SAMA), characterized by a weakened geomagnetic field, allows increased radiation penetration in low Earth orbit, leading to higher radiation doses, electronic degradation, and operational constraints for satellites. This study presents a mission analysis and simulation approach to support the characterization of the SAMA through the collection of magnetic field and radiation data. The proposed framework aims to balance scientific accuracy, technical feasibility, and operational constraints, particularly for low-cost satellite platforms. Computational simulations are used to evaluate orbital trajectories, coverage, magnetic field behavior, radiation exposure, and onboard system requirements. The results provide insights into efficient mission configurations, supporting improved space environment modeling, risk mitigation strategies, and mission planning. This work contributes to the development of optimized small satellite missions dedicated to monitoring the SAMA and minimizing its impact on space systems.