Mission Brainstorming 

• Short Feasibility Analysis & Requirements about chosen Mission Concept 15 Nov 2025 

1. Mission Concepts Under Consideration

A. Quantum Communication Mission

Exploring a demonstration of quantum key distribution (QKD) for long-distance space links. This would serve as a technical flagship project focused on next-generation secure communications.

B. Light Pollution Correlation Mission

Investigating how artificial illumination interacts with another environmental or biological factor. Candidate correlation studies include:
• Light pollution vs surface temperature
• Light pollution vs local wildlife populations
• Light pollution vs wildfire behavior (plumes, CO₂ concentrations, O₂ depletion)
• Light pollution vs biodiversity loss and species displacement
• Evaluating whether light-pollution-mitigation groups are achieving measurable improvement
• Possible coupling with human health and sleep-cycle studies

C. General Research Missions (Open-Ended)

Exploratory payload ideas such as cryogenic storage demonstrations, carbon-nanotube payload concepts, or reduced-gravity experiments.

Teams self-selected into subgroups based on interest. Each subgroup is now responsible for a structured feasibility review.

2. Feasibility Analysis (Due Nov. 14)

Each subgroup will produce a preliminary feasibility dossier that addresses:

• Costs
• Technological difficulty
• Estimated timeline (anchored to precedent missions or comparable demonstrations)
• Size constraints (anticipated CubeSat form factor, #U)

Shark Tank Format

On Nov. 14, each team will:

1. Present their feasibility findings

2. Propose initial mission requirements including:
   • Approximate mass limits
   • Preliminary power budget considerations
   • Core mission goal defining success criteria

3. Honestly evaluate feasibility; if your mission is not viable, present why.

3. WIKI & Software Setup

Wiki Navigation

Under General Team, you’ll find all mission concepts and the relevant documentation spaces.

Software Installation Checklist

• SolidWorks
• SDKs (payload/software-specific)
• Miro
• Any additional tools required by your subsystem
• For those without Windows capability: request a Windows loaner laptop

4. Task Delegation & Internal Workflow

To Delegate Tasks

Go to: Ether → Subteam → Meeting Notes → Task Icon (square with checkmark).
Then:

1. Define the task

2. @Tag the responsible member

3. Assign a due date
   Each subteam’s page will automatically display assigned tasks and deadlines.

Important Decisions

Use the DACI Decision tab for any decision with long-term consequences.
Process:

1. Open DACI Decision

2. Click Next

3. Select a Driver, Approver, Contributors/Consulted, and Informed

4. Set a due date

5. Fill out the auto-generated template

All past and present decisions can be viewed in the DACI Register.
This protocol is essential for building institutional memory and consistent decision-making as the team grows.

5. Subteam Expectations

• CDR targeted for end of November
Oligo industry experts will be invited for external review.

• Weekly 30-minute Subteam Meetings
Each subgroup must meet once per week with a micro-deliverable.

• Communications & Data Management
These teams will coordinate directly with Oligo for integration planning and power-budget constraints (uplink + downlink).

• Miro Dashboard
https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVJvTpOwA=/
Everyone added requirements for their subsystem in the corresponding “bubble” during the session.

ETHER Deliverable for Next Week (Nov. 14)

Subteam-specific outputs as defined during the meeting.