System design considerations for a formosa-x microsatellite

摘要

The Formosa-X microsatellite is proposed to be an experimetnal spacecraft for the purposes of typhoon observation, flood watching, soil-rock-flow monitoring, infrared rays imaging, and communication studies. In the summer, it happens very often that typhoons are formed in the Pacific Ocean and some of them attack Taiwan. The strong and variable dynamic pressure of the wind usually causes significant damage. Also, the flood resulting from the heavy rain brought by the typhoon is very harmful. Furthermore, in some mountainous areas the water will mix with loose ground and rocks to form the so-called soilrock-flow. It is this kind of flow which can triple the damage. Consequently, it is very important to observe the formation of a typhoon and to follow its moving path in detail. Besides, Taiwan is an island with very high exploitation and high population density. The so-called thermo-island effect must be attended. The system design considerations for a Formosa-X microsatellite to fulfil the major functions mentioned above, as well as the communication experimentation function, will be discussed. Other functions such as space education, pollution observation, etc. will be considered as minor optional.