ETH Zurich is leading the ETHOS satellite mission to measure how solar activity affects Earth’s upper atmosphere and satellite orbits, with operations planned from 2030.
The 25–30 kg spacecraft is planned for an orbit about 550 kilometres above Earth. Four instruments will measure solar radiation, solar flares and the ionosphere, while precise positioning will track changes in its orbit. The measurements should help researchers understand space weather and its effects on satellites.
ETH leads the mission from development through operations, working with PMOD/WRC in Davos, the University of Bern and EPFL. The team will use a commercial satellite platform and provide the scientific instruments.