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Why it would be interesting to pursue:
Wildfires are a big threat to human and natural safety. We hope to use thermal and imaging cameras to better understand how wildfires start and predict various natural causes that would liken wildfire creation. Data could be easily found through controlled burnings in the U.S. and other countries, which would provide a good source of baseline data.
Payload Compatibility
| Feature | 3U CubeSat (Challenging) | 6U CubeSat (Ideal) |
| Payload Volume | Approx 1.5U to 2U max. | Approx 3U to 4U max. |
| Mass Budget | Max approx 1-2 kg for combined payload. | Max approx 4-7 kg for combined payload. |
| Power Budget | Low Orbit Average Power (OAP), typically 10-20 W max. | Higher OAP, typically 20-40 W max. |
| Instrument Performance | Must accept lower spectral/spatial resolution; potentially passive (non-cryocooled) thermal imaging. | Allows for higher resolution, larger optics, and active (cryocooled) thermal imaging. |
| Data Downlink | Lower rate (e.g., 9.6 kbps VHF/UHF), limiting data collected. | Higher rate (e.g., up to 4.3 Mbps S-band), supporting large science data files. |